MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC) is poised to send a team of 33 medical professionals to Gaza through the Indonesian Humanitarian Alliance (IHA). This move comes as the civilian death toll in Palestine reaches a devastating 8,976, with 40% of the victims being children.
The MDMC medical team is fully prepared, meeting World Health Organization (WHO) standards, but awaits formal approval from Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The IHA, comprising 16 Indonesian humanitarian and philanthropic institutions, aims to provide six to twelve months of humanitarian assistance in Palestine, including food, healthcare, protection, and energy worth IDR 15,832,800,000. Their commitment addresses critical issues, including basic necessities, healthcare, security, and energy. Bambang Suherman, representing the Zakat Forum, mentioned that the four key areas require immediate attention during the Palestinian crisis.
The IHA plans to send this support through the Muhammadiyah Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Type 1, which will serve for 14 days, with future phases and upgrades planned according to WHO guidelines.
“The Muhammadiyah team has its logistical arrangements in place, including tents, medications, and hospital supplies, enabling a swift response once official government approval is granted,” said Tri Yunanto Arliono, a member of the EMT Muhammadiyah, in the press conference of IHA at the Muhammadiyah Office of Jakarta (November 2).
The IHA’s commitment to providing substantial humanitarian assistance emphasizes the importance of both verbal support and tangible contributions to help boost Palestinian well-being, a long-standing tradition within Muhammadiyah. Muhammadiyah assistance to Palestinians extends to various forms of aid, including health services, social support, and education access.
As the crisis in Palestine continues, the resolve to stand by the Palestinian people remains unwavering. Muhammadiyah and its partners in the IHA aim to make a significant impact on the lives of Palestinians, addressing the urgent need for healthcare, security, and essential supplies.