Latest news with #MAHAR

Barnama
2 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
MAHAR Slams Militarised Aid In Gaza, Urges Humanitarian Access
WORLD Palestinians gather to receive food cooked by a charity kitchen, amid a hunger crisis, as the Israel-Gaza conflict continues, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, December 4, 2024. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Humanitarian Aid and Relief (MAHAR) has condemned the continued use of starvation, blockades, and militarised aid mechanisms in Gaza, calling for urgent international action to end the suffering. In a statement, MAHAR said the worsening humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) with foreign backing, has resulted in engineered famine, widespread child malnutrition, and the deaths of hundreds at so-called 'aid sites.' MAHAR Adviser Nurul Izzah Anwar said the genuine humanitarian assistance must be unconditional and free from coercion or military control. "What we are witnessing in Gaza is the brutal erosion of humanity. The international community must act now and silence is complicity,' she said in the statement. Meanwhile, MAHAR President Jismi Johari said that the suffering of the Palestinians cannot be allowed to continue under the guise of controlled humanitarianism. "GHF has stripped civilians of their dignity and turned aid into a weapon of fear. MAHAR stands resolutely in support of restoring full access to United Nations (UN)-coordinated relief efforts and reopening all land borders for safe and unrestricted humanitarian assistance,' he said. The organisation has joined the international call to immediately dismantle the GHF system, restore UN-led humanitarian operations and reopen all border crossings for safe and unimpeded aid delivery. In full solidarity with the Palestinians, MAHAR rejects widespread aid airdrops over Gaza, citing Israeli control of the airspace and concerns over safety and effectiveness. "Previous airdrops have tragically resulted in civilian casualties, including people being crushed while attempting to retrieve aid. In several cases, the aid landed in militarised zones, exposing desperate civilians to sniper fire -- mirroring the same fatal risks reported at GHF-controlled sites,' it said.


The Sun
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
MAHAR condemns abuse of Palestinian child detainees in Israel
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Humanitarian Aid and Relief (MAHAR) has strongly condemned the systematic abuse of Palestinian children in Israeli detention, calling it a breach of international law and human rights. The organisation described the treatment of minors as a grave injustice requiring immediate global intervention. MAHAR adviser Nurul Izzah Anwar emphasised that no child should experience the trauma of forced detention. 'The targeting of children is not only a violation of international convention but also it is a stain on our shared humanity. We must act with urgency to stop this injustice,' she said. Reports from humanitarian groups reveal disturbing patterns of abuse, including physical violence during arrests, threats against families, and forced confessions. MAHAR has demanded transparent investigations and accountability for those responsible. The organisation urged the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), ASEAN nations, and the international community to take diplomatic action. It also called for independent monitoring of detention centres and enforcement of child protection laws in occupied territories. Since October 2023, Israel's military campaign in Gaza has resulted in over 192,000 Palestinian casualties, mostly women and children. MAHAR's statement highlights the urgent need for justice and protection for vulnerable detainees. - Bernama


The Sun
06-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
MAHAR carries out Qurban Programme in seven countries
KUALA LUMPUR: In an effort to support vulnerable communities, the Malaysian Humanitarian Aid and Relief (MAHAR) organisation is implementing its 2025 Qurban Programme in seven countries, benefitting more than 16,000 individuals affected by disasters, war, and extreme poverty. In a statement, MAHAR said the programme would take place in Somalia, Kenya, Bangladesh, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, and for Palestinians seeking refuge in Egypt. The annual initiative is part of MAHAR's broader effort to assist marginalised communities facing challenges such as malnutrition and humanitarian crises. 'In total, over 16,000 individuals are expected to benefit from MAHAR's 2025 Qurban Programme, making this one of the organisation's largest undertakings to date,' the statement said. MAHAR added that all slaughtering and meat distribution processes adhere strictly to Islamic law, follow health standards, and are transparently overseen by certified local partners in the respective countries. In Malaysia, the distribution is carried out in an organised manner, involving families of Malaysian Armed Forces personnel at the Sungai Besi Camp, local communities via the Semerah State Assemblyman's Service Centre, as well as Palestinian and Syrian refugees residing in the country. Additionally, two cows will be sacrificed in Egypt this year, with the meat distributed to Palestinians taking refuge there. 'A portion of the meat will also be processed and packed as food parcels to be sent into Gaza, as part of MAHAR's continued commitment to supporting victims of prolonged conflict,' it said. MAHAR is also carrying out special qurban sacrifices in the name of and on behalf of its members, staff, volunteers, and media partners who have shown extraordinary commitment and dedication to the organisation's humanitarian missions over the years. 'This initiative is not merely symbolic, but a sincere expression of our appreciation for the collective efforts that have contributed to the success of our humanitarian missions both locally and abroad,' said MAHAR President, Jismi Johari.

Barnama
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
MAHAR Condemns Israeli Regime For Blocking Humanitarian Aid To Gaza
Supplies wait to be loaded on trucks to go into the Gaza Strip, at the Kerem Shalom crossing between Israel and Gaza, on its Israeli side, May 29, 2025. REUTERS/Shafiek Tassiem TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 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. bootstrap slideshow '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.