JakartaPost/Antara-Nov 20, 2024
National Alms Agency (Baznas) head Noor Achmad says the agency plans to build mosques, schools and hospitals in the Palestinian territory of Gaza once the security situation there improves. “As soon as possible [we will begin construction] once the situation stabilizes, and we will proceed with the development,” he said during the Baznas International Forum 2024 in Jakarta on Tuesday, as quoted by Antara news agency. Noor also shared that Baznas was currently holding funds from donations. Since launching the Membasuh Luka Palestina (Healing Palestine Wounds) campaign in October 2023, Baznas has raised over Rp 310 billion (US$19.9 million), with Rp 101 billion already being sent to Palestine. The funds are being distributed through various mechanisms by international partners. Baznas will continue to accept donations until the Palestinian people have fully recovered from the trauma caused by Israel’s ongoing hostilities. Noor said Baznas received requests from institutions wishing to channel their donations through the agency. The agency plans to distribute aid in three phases, namely emergency response, rehabilitation and reconstruction. Currently, assistance is still focused on emergency relief as Israel’s military activities persist. “To date, through Baznas, Indonesia has helped 400,525 people in Gaza,” Noor said. Baznas will also open a donation drive for Sudan, which is facing a humanitarian crisis due to an ongoing conflict. Noor added that the Baznas International Forum was a platform for global humanitarian organizations to share best practices and collaborate. Regarding the Palestinian issue, Indonesia has expressed its willingness to deploy peacekeeping forces to Palestine should the situation require it. Read more at:
