The group is part of the second batch of Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) health workers departing for El Arish. Some of them will continue the humanitarian mission for Gaza refugees in the conflict area at the UAE Field Hospital in Rafah, Gaza.
The ministry's Head of the Defense Information Bureau, Brigadier General Frega F. Wenas Inkiriwang, stated on Monday that the troops had departed for Abu Dhabi, the UAE, from Denpasar, Bali, on Monday.
"They will arrive in Abu Dhabi on December 17. On the next day, they will start the duty at the floating hospital in El Arish, Egypt," he explained.
Meanwhile, the 25 TNI health workers who were part of the batch I returned to Indonesia on December 8, 2024.
Earlier, on December 13, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin briefed the troops from the second batch while reminding them that the humanitarian task in El Arish was an important mission for humanity and was also Indonesia's effort to realize peace in Gaza.
"This is a state task, not just an individual or unit task. Your tasks as TNI soldiers are quite large," he stated.
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Hence, the minister called on the TNI health workers on duty to have strong determination and heartfelt empathy and to maintain a professional demeanor in providing the best service for Gaza refugees in El Arish.
"You are ambassadors of peace and humanity. Your presence brings the good name of this country," Sjamsoeddin affirmed.
The minister expressed hope that all TNI health workers in the second wave would complete their duties and return to Indonesia safely.
"Good luck with your duties," he told the troops.
Wave I of TNI Health Workers was dispatched to El Arish on August 10, 2024. They were led by Colonel Dr Adry Pasmawi.
From the first group, 10 TNI health workers managed to enter Rafah and served at the UAE field hospital as of September 7, 2024. They served in Gaza for a month before being rotated with TNI personnel in El Arish.
El Arish is one of the meeting points for aid from various countries for the Palestinian people as victims of the Israeli military massacre in Gaza. The distance between El Arish and Rafah, an area in Gaza directly bordering Sinai, Egypt, is more than 40 kilometers.
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Translator: Genta Tenri, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
