PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will begin delivering aid to Palestine through Jordan, following the closure of the Rafah border crossing.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the only remaining open route was via the King Hussein Bridge from Jordan.

"Given Jordan's diplomatic relations with Israel, it is feasible for aid to be delivered this way.

"During my recent visit to Jordan, I was informed that they facilitate the delivery of approximately 500 containers daily, with about 150 going through their channels."

He said this at a press conference after officiating at the Humanitarian Initiative for Palestine programme here.

Mohamad said the government would act as intermediaries, linking Malaysian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and volunteer bodies with the Jordanian authorities to ensure seamless delivery of aid.

"We have begun sending aid, coordinated with various NGOs and charitable organisations.

"We have established good relations with the Jordanian government, which will assist in these efforts."

Meanwhile, Mohamad said the Humanitarian Trust Fund for the People of Palestine (AAKRP) has received RM98,828,028.83 in donations up to July 3 this year. The fund was set up in October last year.

From the total donations, RM34,992,378.10 has been disbursed to international organisations under the United Nations, such as the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

"Additionally, funds have been allocated to the Higher Education Ministry for the financing and living allowances of Palestinian students in Malaysia, local NGOs under Op Ihsan that focus on livelihood projects, the Red Crescent Societies in Jordan, Egypt and Palestine, and the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs in Jordan for the annual maintenance of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

"Approximately RM9 million has been earmarked for various initiatives, including cancer treatment of Palestinian patients, clean water supply in Gaza, the upgrading of sanitation and water management systems, and improving medical equipment.

"The ministry is collaborating with NGOs under Op Ihsan, NGOs in Palestine and agencies in Jordan such as the Ministry of Zakat Jordan, Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation and the Palestine Red Crescent Society for these projects," he said.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/1071868/malaysia-channel-aid-palestine-jordan