Mercy Relief announces second round of relief aid for Palestinian refugees during Ramadan

SINGAPORE: As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, humanitarian organization Mercy Relief has unveiled plans for a second round of relief aid aimed at providing essential support to Palestinian refugees.

The organization, known for its commitment to global humanitarian efforts, revealed in a statement on Thursday (14 March) that the initiative will encompass a comprehensive array of assistance measures, including canned food distribution and iftar meals.

Scheduled to take place from 15 to 17 March 2024, these efforts are poised to address the pressing needs of vulnerable communities in the region.

With meticulous attention to nutritional requirements, Mercy Relief intends to distribute canned food supplies to 4,800 Palestinian refugees residing in the city of Rafah, Gaza.

The selection process will prioritize families and individuals grappling with nutritional deficiencies, ensuring that the aid reaches those most in need.

In addition to the food distribution, Mercy Relief will organize an iftar meal, symbolizing the breaking of fast, for 200 refugees in Ismailia, Egypt.

This gathering, slated to foster community well-being and solidarity, underscores the organization’s commitment to holistic support beyond mere sustenance.

Mercy Relief chairman Satwant Singh, Board Member Chairul Fahmy and Executive Director Muhammad Ashik, will personally oversee the relief efforts on the ground. They will be deployed in various locations, including Al-Arish in northern Egypt.

Mr Singh emphasized the significance of the iftar meal, stating, “Iftar holds a special significance during the holy month of Ramadan in Islam, and we wanted to share a moment of communal solidarity through breaking fast together.”

He added that, “engaging with the affected communities first-hand also allows us to better  understand their needs and challenges, and ensure that our relief efforts are both effective and responsive to the unique circumstances.”

This latest initiative follows previous fundraising successes, including Rahmatan Lil Alamin (Blessings to All) Foundation’s commendable effort from October to November 2023, during which they collected over S$8 million within a month for its Humanitarian Relief for Gaza campaign.

In parallel, Singaporean activist and founder of Love Aid Singapore, Gilbert Goh, has remained steadfast in their humanitarian endeavours in Gaza.

Recent updates from the organization highlight the continued operation of their food kitchen for Palestinians, despite facing heartbreaking losses, including the tragic death of nine Palestinian workers in Jabalia North Gaza due to bombings.

Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Vivian Balakrishnan, announced on 29 February 2024, that Singapore plans to donate a third tranche of aid for Gaza through Jordan.