PLANS to send urgent aid from Bahrain to the Gaza Strip will be discussed at a high-level meeting today organised by the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF).
Officials from several government entities, civil societies and charities will attend the first meeting of the National Committee for the Support of the Palestinians in Gaza.
RHF secretary general and committee chairman Dr Mustafa Al Sayed said the meeting is in line with royal directives of His Majesty King Hamad’s representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
“The committee will hold its first meeting with participation of several ministries and associations to unite all efforts to help our Palestinian brothers in Gaza in these difficult circumstances,” said Dr Al Sayed.
“During the meeting talks will also focus on sending an urgent shipment and review relief requirements for Gaza, in light with calls made by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).”
The Cabinet on Monday affirmed the importance of de-escalation of violence, protection of civilians and providing humanitarian relief and medical aid to the Gaza Strip.
Dr Al Sayed said all options discussed at the meeting will be reviewed to ensure aid is delivered safely and helps in the humanitarian efforts.
“I would also like to praise Parliament for its donation towards the national fundraising campaign in aid of the Palestinians.”
Parliament and Shura Council yesterday donated BD50,000 each towards the ‘Help Gaza’ drive announced by the RHF.
The GDN reported yesterday that Shaikh Nasser made the first donation of BD100, 000 to the campaign.
A televised campaign will be aired on Bahrain TV to appeal for funds on Friday starting from 2pm.
“We would like generous donors especially from the private sector to come forward and we designate Friday as a day of solidarity with our Palestinian brothers in Gaza.”
Public can donate to the campaign via BenefitPay 38800188, or by transferring through IBAN BH07NBOB00000099570432 or visiting rhf.gov.bh.
RHF has funded several welfare projects such as a health centre, library, and a centre for artificial limbs in co-operation with relevant agencies including the UN that has helped thousands of Palestinian refugees and many children have benefited from the Al Manama School in Tel Al Hawwa, Gaza.
Meanwhile, Egypt says the Rafah crossing, a vital artery before the fighting and now a key route for desperately needed supplies into the Israeli-besieged Palestinian enclave, has not been officially closed but has become inoperable due to the Israeli air strikes on the Gaza side.
The UNRWA urgently seeks $104 million for life-saving aid to Gaza, and has warned that more than 2m people are at risk as water runs out across the strip.
More than 1m people have been displaced since the war between Israel and the Hamas movement began on October 7.
Both sides have dealt with more than 4,000 casualties, and reports that the Hamas militants are holding 199 hostages of several nationalities in Gaza.
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