KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian and regional humanitarian organisations have joined forces to launch the Gaza Winter Humanitarian Aid Campaign, aimed at providing assistance to Palestinian families facing an increasingly critical humanitarian situation ahead of the winter season.
The campaign is coordinated by the Gaza Humanitarian Aid Action Secretariat under the leadership of Malaysia Global Coalition in Support of Al Quds and Palestine president and Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (MAPIM) president Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid.
According to a statement issued by MAPIM today, the campaign brings together Malaysian NGOs and humanitarian partners from the region with a shared goal of ensuring that the most vulnerable Palestinian families are not left to face the winter without protection, food, shelter and essential medical assistance.
Mohd Azmi said the winter season would further worsen the suffering of families already living in extremely vulnerable conditions.
“For families who have lost their homes and are forced to seek shelter in tents or inadequate settlements, cold weather and rain can pose a serious humanitarian threat,” he said.
He stressed that humanitarian efforts must be carried out collectively and in a coordinated manner to ensure available resources are channelled to families most in need.
“We may come from different organisations, but we share one humanitarian responsibility.
“Our goal is to ensure that every resource that can be mobilised is coordinated and delivered to the families who need assistance the most,” he said.
Five key priorities
The campaign will focus on five key areas, namely winter protection including clothing, blankets and heating supplies.
It will also cover food security, including basic food aid and nutritional supplies, emergency shelter particularly for families who have lost their homes, emergency medical assistance, as well as protection for children and vulnerable families.
Particular attention will be given to children, the elderly, women and individuals with special needs.
The campaign will also place emphasis on transparency, integrity and accountability.
Participating organisations will be encouraged to maintain clear records relating to funds collected, procurement, delivery of aid, as well as the number and groups of beneficiaries.
“We want Malaysians to know where their humanitarian contributions are being channelled.
“Compassion must be accompanied by accountability. Every ringgit entrusted to a humanitarian organisation carries a responsibility,” he stressed.
Mobilising Malaysians
The campaign will also open opportunities for corporations, foundations, mosques and suraus, universities, schools, professional bodies, community organisations, NGOs and individuals to contribute and help mobilise assistance.
Humanitarian partners from Southeast Asia will also be encouraged to participate in the regional mobilisation effort to ensure aid can be delivered in a more organised and effective manner.
“The message of this campaign is clear: Gaza must not face the winter alone.
“Malaysia and its regional partners must translate solidarity into concrete, organised and responsible humanitarian action,” he said.
At the initial stage, the campaign will focus on emergency winter assistance.
At the same time, participating organisations are encouraged to link emergency aid with medium- and long-term resilience efforts, including food security, healthcare services, shelter rehabilitation and livelihood support when conditions permit.
The initiative will continue to uphold the principle that humanitarian assistance must reach those in need quickly, with dignity, transparency and accountability.
“No family in Gaza should have to face the winter alone.” – DETIK MALAYSIA
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