Ceasefire Deal: the Urgent Need Is To Deliver Humanitarian Aid To Gaza - MERCY Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 (Bernama) --  The announcement of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza is a critical step towards ending more than 15 months of devastating conflict, enabling parties to deliver the much-needed humanitarian aid and reuniting hostages with their families after prolonged captivity.

MERCY Malaysia president Datuk Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus emphasised on the urgent need to ensure full humanitarian access for all civilians in need of lifesaving assistance.

“This includes opening access for both essential aid items and humanitarian personnel, as well as securing safe and reliable routes to affected areas.

“Our collective focus must now shift towards these critical humanitarian efforts. The scale of the crisis demands a swift and comprehensive response to alleviate the suffering of those affected,” he said in a statement today.

Ahmad Faizal urged all parties to adhere fully to international humanitarian law by protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure, allowing aid workers safety, unfettered access to people in need whoever and wherever they are and removing all obstacles to the entry of essential aid.

In the same statement, MERCY Malaysia also emphasised its steadfastness towards the Palestinian relief effort.

“We will continue to deliver essential aid, monitoring the humanitarian impact, and exploring every avenue to support those in need. This ceasefire, while a significant milestone, is only the beginning of a long journey toward rebuilding lives and restoring dignity.

“The hope now is that this agreement will hold and evolve into a permanent resolution, bringing lasting peace, humanitarian relief, and renewed hope for the people of Gaza. This ceasefire is not just a pause in violence; it is a call to action for the global community to rally behind those who have suffered and work together toward a sustainable future for Gaza,” it said.

Qatari Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman announced Wednesday evening the success of mediators in reaching a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, noting that its implementation will begin this Sunday.

Meanwhile, Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (ABIM) president Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin, said large-scale humanitarian aid and the reconstruction of Gaza should be expedited during the ceasefire period through strategic collaboration with various parties including international organisations, governments, and non-governmental organisations.

ABIM also expressed appreciation towards the Malaysian government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for showing continued commitment to advocating for the Palestinian cause on the international stage.

“The recognition from the global community of Malaysia’s efforts thus far serves as clear evidence that the principle of solidarity with the Palestinian people has always been at the core of Malaysia’s diplomatic struggle.

“Even Khalid Al-Hayya, one of the leaders of HAMAS, acknowledged the efforts in his statement, garnering attention of the international media,” he said.

ABIM also thanked Qatar and Egypt for facilitating the ceasefire negotiations.

-- BERNAMA