KUALA LUMPUR – Six medical experts from Mercy Malaysia on a humanitarian mission in Gaza are reported to be trapped near Rafah due to ongoing attacks by Israeli forces.
One of the trapped doctors, Dr Hanif Ahmad Mazlan, a general surgeon at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Terengganu, shared their situation in a video posted on Instagram by rapper and entrepreneur Caprice.
Dr Hanif, currently working at Kuwait Hospital in Rafah, has been in the region since May 1, as part of the emergency medical team (EMT) from Mercy Malaysia under the World Health Organisation (WHO).
“This hospital is still designated as a safe zone for us to take shelter and work, treating patients brought in for care.
“Along with me, there are six others – including surgeons, anesthesiologists, and orthopaedic specialists.
“We are awaiting instructions from WHO to leave as soon as the Rafah border is opened by Israel.
“So please pray for us here. Your prayers are very important to us,” he said.
Previously, Mercy Malaysia said that their humanitarian mission also includes the development and operation of a medical point at the Al-Mawasi Camp to cater to the basic health needs of Gaza residents living in refugee camps.
Rafah is home to approximately 1.4 million Palestinians, most of whom have relocated from other parts of Gaza.
The ongoing conflict and bombings by Israel have devastated the coastal area.
Since the attacks began on October 7 in the Gaza Strip, 35,034 Palestinians have been killed, 78,755 injured, and 11,000 others displaced. – May 14, 2024