Image by [Daily Maverick]
Cairo – Since the start of the war in Gaza, the Israeli government and military have consistently demonstrated a willingness to kill numerous civilians, along with hundreds of healthcare and humanitarian workers and journalists.
Despite Israel’s assertion that the Southern part of Gaza is significantly safer than the Northern region, the location seems irrelevant, as the lives of individuals and their families are constantly at risk.
It is disheartening to consider that Dr Ahmed Abbasi, the Head of Gift of Givers in Gaza, is just one among many humanitarian workers who have lost their lives since October 7. According to reports, the war in Gaza marks the highest recorded number of aid workers killed in any conflict throughout history.
A Tragic Loss for All Humanity
A few days ago, while returning from the morning prayer, Dr Abbasi and his brother were murdered in an Israeli airstrike. According to a statement from Gift of the Givers, he was intentionally targeted by the military.
Expressing shock, Dr Malik Abou-Rageila, the Country Manager for Gift of the Givers in Palestine, stated Dr Abbasi’s death was completely unforeseen.
The targeting of someone who had selflessly dedicated himself to serving others, especially at a mosque, was unexpected. Nevertheless, Dr Abou-Rageila remarked on a conversation between them that if death were to befall either of them, it would have been accepted.
“From the first days of the war, he was always ready for that. We were always trying to encourage each other to accept whatever happens comes from Allah, we will accept it and that we should only focus on our work.”
For almost two months, Gaza has endured a severe lack of electricity, water, fuel, and medical supplies. Following the bombing of one of the limited exit points from what can be deemed an Israeli concentration camp and weeks of deprivation and scavenging, only a few trucks carrying humanitarian aid were permitted to enter Gaza.
Dr Abou-Rageila explained that efforts have been made to improve the inflow of trucks delivering essential items such as food, water, and medicine.
Unfortunately, trucks loaded with fuel are still prohibited from entering, and any trucks attempting to enter without full coordination with Israel are targeted and subjected to bombing.
Humanity Needs Help, and So They Shall Serve
Dr Abbasi was characterised as a compassionate, gentle, and warm-hearted individual. He dedicated a decade to serving the people of Gaza, taking on the responsibility for the welfare and care of orphans, widows, the sick, and the elderly.
Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding his death and the escalating challenges and targeting of individuals, Dr Abou-Rageila conveyed that their teams and staff have sworn to continue.
“All the teams have promised they will keep going. They will keep you carrying on and doing what they do, and they [will not] minimise or stay away.”
