In a press release, MER-C volunteers, including dermatologist Nico Ghanda, anesthesiologist Anthon Vermana Ritonga, and nurse Nadia Rosi, coordinated with local volunteers to prepare the winter assistance packages for distribution.
“God willing, we will deliver aid to our brothers and sisters in Gaza as the winter season begins,” Anthon said, emphasizing the urgency of support amid dropping temperatures.
Nico Ghanda called on the Indonesian public for prayers and support to ensure the humanitarian distribution proceeds smoothly.
“As one of the humanitarian organizations with access to the Gaza Strip, MER-C is making every effort to assist those in need,” Nico said.
The winter aid packages include 500 children’s jackets, 500 adult jackets, 500 blankets, and 100 tents, MER-C officials said.
The distribution responds to worsening conditions in Gaza, where heavy rains have flooded shelters and caused tents to collapse, increasing the hardships for displaced residents.
The humanitarian situation is compounded by the Israeli blockade, which continues to restrict aid deliveries to Gaza, MER-C noted.
MER-C is a humanitarian social organization focused on emergency medical services, providing care for war victims, conflict-related violence, riots, extraordinary events, and natural disasters both domestically and internationally.
This Jakarta-based organization has been active in Gaza, leveraging its emergency medical teams to deliver aid, provide healthcare services, and support vulnerable communities during crises.
MER-C said the winter aid effort is part of its broader mission to alleviate human suffering and deliver essential medical and humanitarian assistance to populations affected by conflict and disaster.
Meanwhile, Indonesia has consistently supported the Palestinian struggle for independence since the era of its first president, Sukarno.
At the second session of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Saturday, Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka addressed conflicts worldwide, including in Gaza. Gibran urged world leaders not to normalize human suffering that could be prevented.
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Translator: Asri MS, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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