Maldives Red Crescent extends Palestine emergency fund

Oct 27, 2023, 3:52 AM
Red Crescent press briefing. -- Photo: Adhadhu file

Red Crescent press briefing. -- Photo: Adhadhu file

The Maldives Red Crescent (MRC) has extended the donation period for an emergency fund opened to provide humanitarian assistance to Palestine in response to Israeli attacks.

At a press briefing on Thursday, MRC Secretary General Fathmath Himya said the organization has decided to extend the period for accepting donations for the fund, which was opened on October 14.

Donations can be made until November 12, Himya said. The period was previously due to expire next Saturday.

The decision was made in light of the changing circumstances of the war in Palestine and upon request of many members of the public, she said.

"Due to how the war is changing, and upon the request of various members of the public, we have extended the period to November 12," Himya said.

All the donations will be sent to the emergency fund of the Palestinian Red Crescent, she said. The MRC collected MVR 1.6 million as donations from individuals and businesses by October 24, Himya noted.

Despite extending the donation period, MRC is working towards sending funds collected by October 28 to the Palestinian Red Crescent.

"Discussions have started now with the Palestinian Red Crescent and relevant banks to carry out the work of handing over the funds," MRC Secretary General Himya said.

The Red Crescent has called for a ceasefire in order to provide humanitarian assistance to Palestine.

More than 6,000 Palestinians have been killed so far in the continuous Israeli attacks, including more than 2,700 children, more than 1,500 women and more than 300 elderly people.

More than 17,000 Palestinians have sustained injuries in the attacks. The number of people trapped in the rubble of demolished buildings is unclear, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.

Comments

Read More

Latest News

Saudi Ambassador to be dismissed following refusal to join PNC

The Maldivian government is dismissing Ahmed Sareer, the Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, after he refused to join the ruling PNC party. Despite his 40-year diplomatic career, Sareer is being removed as part of a broader directive requiring all diplomats to join the political party, ending a long-standing tradition of neutrality.

Govt to seal Rasmale' deal on Republic Day

The Maldives government plans to sign a definitive agreement with UAE-based Eagle Hills on Republic Day to grant 500 hectares of land for the Rasmalé project. Legislative changes are underway to accommodate the deal, which involves no land acquisition fees. The project chairman confirmed they will comply with all local leasehold laws.

Indian arrested at VIA smuggling MVR 900,000

An Indian national was arrested at Velana International Airport for attempting to smuggle over MVR 900,000 in undeclared foreign currency. The seizure is part of a major government crackdown on illegal dollar trading and unauthorized business activities by foreigners in the Maldives.

Falah accuses Khaleel of prioritising personal gain over nation

PNC leader Ibrahim Falah has accused former Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel of putting personal gain above national interests. The criticism follows Khaleel’s public concerns over the Rasmalé project, which involves land allocation to a UAE firm. Falah claims Khaleel’s opposition proves he no longer prioritizes the country's welfare.

Three arrested in alcohol network bust

Police arrested three individuals and seized a large quantity of alcohol during a raid on a distribution network in Malé. The joint operation targeted a residence in the Henveiru ward after a lengthy investigation. Authorities have identified several key players involved in the city's large-scale illegal alcohol trade.

Resolution demands transparency over Rasmalé deal

MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem submitted a resolution to the People’s Majlis demanding transparency over the Rasmalé development deal with Eagle Hills. The move seeks to disclose commercial terms and ensure legal compliance, following concerns that the government is withholding information about granting land to a foreign entity.

Thilafushi Port: Agreements with Chinese firm classified

Maldives Ports Limited has classified its agreements with China Harbour Engineering Company regarding the Thilafushi Port relocation. Officials refused to disclose contract values or specific details, citing legal consultations. This lack of transparency follows government concerns over foreign influence and diplomatic shifts.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox