JEDDAH: A nationwide fundraising campaign ordered by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for Palestinians in Gaza has so far raised SR167 million, Saed Al-Harithy, supervisor of the campaign, announced yesterday.
Al-Harithy said the amount does not include the value of non-cash donations made by Saudis in terms of jewelry, foodstuffs, medicine, tents, clothing, blankets, etc. He also praised donors for their excellent response.
He said Saudi Arabia has sent several relief planes and trucks for the Gazans, adding that the relief supplies have reached Gaza for distribution among the victims of Israeli bombardment and gunfire. More funds are still required to rebuild hospitals, schools and other vital infrastructure in Gaza.
The Kingdom has so far dispatched 10 relief planes carrying a total of 120 tons of medical supplies. The planes were received at Areesh Airport in Egypt by Saudi officials for distribution.
Under the Kingdom’s relief program, more than 270,000 Gazans will receive foodstuffs for a month. “We have given top priority for the distribution of foodstuffs among the Palestinians in Gaza,” Al-Harithy said. “We have contacted international organizations to send more doctors and medicine to Gaza,” he added.
Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, secretary-general of the 57-member Organization of the Islamic Conference, denounced Israel’s massacre of civilians, was referring to the killing of 43 Palestinian children and women who had taken refuge in UNRWA schools in the occupied territory.
The OIC chief said the attacks were war crimes and that the perpetrators should be made accountable.
Also yesterday, Abdussalam Al-Abadi, secretary-general of the International Islamic Fiqh Council, condemned the Israeli aggression.
