GIZA, EGYPT —The indiscriminate attacks by Israel in Palestine—both Gaza and the West Bank—have caused catastrophic damage to public facilities and residential homes. This has led to the paralysis of public services, including hospitals and ambulances. The continuously rising number of civilian (children, women, and the elderly) and military casualties in emergency conditions has made it impossible to provide adequate care.
The destruction of numerous hospitals and other critical medical facilities has prompted humanitarian organizations within the Indonesian Humanitarian Alliance (IHA) to agree on accelerating the response needs, one of which is the expedited procurement of humanitarian ambulances.
Traveling nearly 70 km from Cairo, specifically to the City of 6th October (Setta Oktōbar) in Giza Province, the Dompet Dhuafa-IHA Humanitarian Team visited an ambulance body manufacturer. At the factory, the Dompet Dhuafa-IHA Humanitarian Team found about 20 medical vehicles undergoing interior equipment work, ordered by various international NGOs.
Baca juga: Ambulans Dompet Dhuafa Kena Serang Rudal Israel
Mr. Essam Said, Chairman of Al-Arabia, stated that they boast more than 20 years of experience in supplying ambulances for Egypt and Palestine. They prepare every specification detail in accordance with the agreements made with partners/customers. Al-Arabia constructs ambulance bodies to international standards, facilitating the permit process for crossing international borders.
On the same occasion, Arif Rahmadi, Head of the IHA-Dompet Dhuafa Humanitarian Team, stated, “The Indonesian Humanitarian Alliance, in responding to the humanitarian conflict in Palestine, collaborates with many parties. Among them are the ERC in Egypt and Gaza Dezteck. Our shared concern is how to accelerate the process of delivering humanitarian aid to Palestine. One of the most needed items is the procurement of ambulance units for patient mobilization to hospitals. Additionally, we are preparing strategic steps for aid management during the recovery phase if a permanent ceasefire is established.”
Baca juga: Ratusan Warga Palestina Jadi Korban Kekerasan Zionis, Ambulans Dompet Dhuafa Bergerak Beri Bantuan
According to Al Jazeera, the Palestinian Ministry of Health and the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) recorded at least 17,177 martyrs as of December 7, 2023. They include 7,112 children and 4,885 women. It’s also reported that 46,000 individuals currently require specific medical attention, with 7,600 reported missing in Gaza.
Meanwhile, in the West Bank, 266 people have died, including 63 children, with more than 3,365 reported injured. Since the outbreak of the major conflict between Israel and Palestine on October 7, 2023, at least 63 journalists have been killed while on duty.
The humanitarian crisis in Palestine demands our collective attention.This is not merely a religious issue but one of humanity, sovereignty usurpation, and occupation that violate international humanitarian laws. (Dompet Dhuafa/DMulyadi)