MAHAR Condemns Israeli Regime For Blocking Humanitarian Aid To Gaza

KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Humanitarian Aid and Relief (MAHAR) has strongly condemned the Israeli regime’s actions in using starvation as a weapon of war and obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

In a statement, MAHAR said that any form of selective, politically motivated aid distribution – such as the model involving the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) – undermines the principles of neutrality and the integrity of global humanitarian missions.

MAHAR President Jismi Johari stated that politicised aid not only denies the basic rights of oppressed civilians but also exploits their suffering as a tool of political pressure.

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“This is a violation that cannot be tolerated,” he said.

On May 25, at least 36 people were killed, including 18 children, in an Israeli airstrike on the Fahmi al-Jarjawi School in Gaza City, which was serving as a shelter at the time.

The attack triggered a massive fire, with several victims reportedly burnt alive and others trapped beneath the rubble.

Jismi urged for all humanitarian aid routes into Gaza to be opened immediately and unconditionally.

“The deliberate denial of aid and the use of starvation as a weapon of war constitute war crimes and a form of collective punishment against civilians. The world cannot remain silent,” he said.

Meanwhile, MAHAR welcomed ASEAN’s strong stance, as expressed in a joint statement issued during the recent 46th ASEAN Summit.

Among other things, ASEAN expressed grave concern over the protracted conflict in Gaza and the Middle East, and the worsening humanitarian situation. It strongly condemned attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, particularly involving innocent women and children.

ASEAN also called on all parties to protect civilians and uphold international law and United Nations (UN) resolutions.

Jismi said it is high time for ASEAN to take collective action to break the siege on Gaza and ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those who genuinely need it.

As an independent and impartial humanitarian organisation, MAHAR remains committed to delivering aid grounded in dignity, the principle of neutrality, and a high standard of accountability.

MAHAR also urged the international community to reject any form of political interference in the distribution of aid and to prioritise the safety and survival of the people of Gaza.

-- BERNAMA