KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 — A tragic incident unfolded on March 15, 2025, when eight humanitarian workers from the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organizations (Mapim) were killed during Israeli airstrikes in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza. The strikes occurred around 1:30 pm local time as the workers were engaged in setting up tents for families displaced by the persistent conflict.
The chief activist of Mapim, Datuk Sani Araby, condemned the attacks, labeling them as "a heinous war crime." He emphasized the seriousness of this situation and called for Malaysians to perform Qunut Nazilah prayers, seeking safety for those affected by the violence in Gaza.
Among the victims were three media personnel who were documenting the humanitarian efforts with the intention of highlighting the needs of the displaced population. The deceased have been identified as Mahmoud Yahya Al-Sarraj, Bilal Hossam Oqeila, Mahmoud Samir Oselim, Mahmoud Khaled Oselim, Mohammed Al-Ghafeer, Hazem Ghareeb, Bilal Abu Matar, and Ahmad Hamad. Their mission involved deploying 1,000 tents to offer immediate relief to those affected.
According to reports, two consecutive airstrikes struck Beit Lahiya, claiming nine lives overall, with eight victims confirmed as aid workers associated with Al-Khair Foundation. The foundation's CEO, Shuaib Yusaf, expressed sorrow over the incident, stating, "It is with great sadness and regret... they were killed in violation of the agreed ceasefire."
The situation remains volatile, with Israeli forces asserting they targeted "terrorists" reportedly operating drones, purportedly under the cover of journalists. Contrarily, the head of Gaza's civil defense, Mahmoud Basal, maintained these were humanitarian workers, with two journalists among those struck. "They wanted to build some tents for the displaced and had been using the drone to shoot and take coordinates of the site," Basal explained.
Yusaf refuted claims of the workers having militant connections, reaffirming, "The exact circumstances are still being established but we refute utterly any suggestion... they were involved with Hamas." This discord between narrative and reality resonates deeply, especially during Ramadan, which emphasizes charity and compassion.
Qasim Rashid Ahmad, the founder of Al-Khair Foundation, echoed similar sentiments, underscoring the humanitarian nature of their tasks. "They were filming for humanitarian purposes. They were not filming in military zones; they were serving their community," he specified. He detailed the workers’ endeavors and lamented the loss, stating they were well within a designated 'free movement area', not straying near the buffer zones often monitored by military forces.
The recent escalation of violence poses significant barriers to the already fragile ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, originally brokered on January 19, 2025. With the first phase of the deal recently expired, the chances of reaching a comprehensive agreement appear bleak. Despite negotiations, Israeli forces have reportedly executed almost daily ceasefire violations, inhibiting humanitarian efforts.
Adding to the horror is the rising death toll, with the Gaza Health Ministry announcing on March 16, 2025, the recovery of 15 additional bodies from debris, pushing the total count of fatalities since October 2023 to over 48,572. This staggering number reflects the culmination of conflict, making it increasingly challenging for rescue operations to provide assistance, as many victims remain trapped and inaccessible.
International scrutiny is growing, particularly following arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Observers note the disproportionate impact on civilians and call for accountability and investigations.
The silence and deaths echo throughout the region, leaving humanitarian organizations like Mapim and Al-Khair Foundation working tirelessly, often under perilous conditions. They continue to push forward with their missions, relying on global support and recognition for the humanitarian crises they face daily. "Despite the risks, we are steadfastly committed to delivering aid," said Sani, as Mapim seeks ways to continue their humanitarian outreach during these dark times.
The consequences of these strikes extend beyond immediate casualties; they reverberate through affected communities, increased tensions, and hindered humanitarian efforts as advocates for peace and support call for urgent action and relief. The situation demands attention as the international community grapples with the realities on the ground, calling for dialogue and peace.