BENGKALIS, RIAU — Amnesty International data indicates that Israel’s occupation of Palestine began in June 1967. Since then, Israel’s policies regarding land confiscation, illegal settlements, and expropriation, coupled with discrimination, have intensified. All essential aspects of life, including the supply of water and electricity, are controlled by Israel, significantly limiting the freedom of movement for Palestinian citizens. The current situation is further aggravated by the winter season enveloping Palestine.
Muhammad Husein, a humanitarian activist, spoke at the event “Temu KolaborAksi for Palestine” at As-Salam Mosque in Duri, Bengkalis Regency, Riau, on Saturday (February 10, 2024), highlighting the pre-existing critical conditions in Gaza before the October 7, 2023 attacks.
“Even before the October 7, 2023 attacks, Gaza was essentially in a state of siege due to numerous blockades and restrictions imposed by the Zionists. However, the recent assault has significantly worsened Gaza’s plight, making it more severe than any previous attacks. The situation has regressed to what seems like a setback of 100 years, worse than any developments in Syria,” stated Husein Gaza, as he is affectionately known.
The responsibility for Palestine lies with the entire Muslim ummah. Masjidil Aqsa, an Islamic symbol frequently mentioned during Isra’ Mi’raj celebrations, is situated there. Hence, Muslims should perpetually support Palestine.
Support and solidarity must be incessantly promoted. The fading awareness and discourse on Palestine must not be overlooked, given the Palestinian community’s ongoing desperate need for international aid.
“Almost half of the population is starving, spending days without food,” said the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian refugees in a press statement, cautioning that the continuation of the conflict could threaten more lives with starvation.
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The UN agency urges the international community to pressure Israel to cease its military operations against Gaza and to allow humanitarian aid to reach those trapped in Gaza, a coastal area besieged by Israel.
Dr. Muhammad Ashsubli, an academic speaker, delivered a message urging all Muslims to persist in their concern for Palestinian citizens through various means and roles.
“Support from all sectors is currently of great significance for Palestine,” he remarked.
Accordingly, at the start of 2024, Dompet Dhuafa Riau is rallying all parties to maintain their concern for Palestine. This dedication should not diminish as social media channels and news coverage of Palestine-related issues wane.
Hendi Mardika, Branch Manager of Dompet Dhuafa Riau, announced that from October to December 2023, his team amassed donations totaling IDR 1,500,553,250. These funds were allocated to programs offering communal kitchens and food supplies, blankets, medicines and medical personnel, tents, ambulance services, and other critical needs.
In implementing these programs, Hendi highlighted his collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Indonesia. Alongside the government, Dompet Dhuafa and its team have also partnered with local allies in Palestine, delivering aid directly through Egypt in conjunction with the Indonesia Humanitarian Alliance (IHA).
Recent updates reveal that the assistance provided by Dompet Dhuafa is in phase 2 of the 4 targeted phases. (Dompet Dhuafa/Riau/Hany)