Gaza : Palestine, Egypt, Fatah and ...

Malaysians, of all walks and life, has generously donated through NSTP RM 5 million to the Palestininans under the Humanitarian funds which was handed over to the Palestinian ambassador in Malaysia. For the event which was broadcasted live through Astro, the total donation collected for the night was RM 10.7 million and the event was graced by the preence of DYMM YDP Agong.

Apart from the Malaysian government initiative, Selangor state government will be donating RM 1.5 million in the form of food and medical supplies to those affected in Gaza. The people of Kelantan managed to collect RM 1.5 million on 21st January 2009.

Glancing through the news, it clearly shows that Malaysians care, and Malaysians are a caring society regardless of race and religous differences. However, what strikes this scribe more is the pertaining question - Will the donations arrive to the affected families in Gaza?

Berita Minggu, datelined 1st February 2009, screams "Fatah sekat bantuan ke Gaza" of loosely translated "Fatah blocks aid to Gaza" whilst Star carries the news "Egypt installing cameras, sensors at Gaza border". Why do these things happening? Are Gaza Palestinians less Palestinians that Fatah Palestinians? Are Palestinians less Arab than Egyptians?

It seems that the Arab world, especially Egypt is willing to abandon their Palestinian brothers. With the naval blockade, Gaza is unaccessible via sea route. Egypt is holding the key to access Gaza and if Egypt is installing the cameras and sensors at the Gaza borders with the aid of US, French and Germans, it will effectively block all forms of food, medical supplies transfers from Egypt to the Gaza strip.The news say "For the 1.5 million people in the Gaza Strip, the tunnels have become a main source of goods, including fuel, since Israel tightened its embargo after Hamas seized control of Gaza from the forces of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in 2007". What now, Hosni Mubarrak?

For Mahmoud Abbas, he should be thinking more of his Palestinians subject, instead of boxing in his narrow minded mind that Fatah is Palestine and Palestine is Fatah...

These 2 instances clearly demonstrate on Israel's influence over both Hosni Mubarak and Mahmoud Abbas. Are there any unwritten agreement related to the ceasefire for Gaza? Something that tied Hosni's hands or is it that Hosni has his own ulterior motive to potrays himself as the kingmaker for Palestine? Something to hold on to his own power, perhaps?

With all the donations pouring in, will Mahmoud pass on to Gaza or will be diverted to enrich Fatah or to rearm Fatah in their arms struggle agains their own brothers from Hamas?

Sunnguh menyedihkan apabila rentetan peristiwa yang dihadapi oleh penduduk Gaza tidak mendapat liputan meluas di media-media. Malah, apabila keadaan sebenar diceritakan oleh mereka yang pulang dari sana, terasa sayu dan hanya titisan air mata serta doa saja yang dapat dihulurkan apabila mengenangkan kesengsaraan mereka di Gaza. Palestin sudah menderita sejak 1948 dan dunia masih belum bersedia untuk mengambil tindakan terhadap Israel...

Maybe, just maybe, Malaysians ought to be informed on where the donations are spent. Afterall, there should be a transparent accountability on the money collected from Malaysians. That's the least Palestine authorities should do, if they want to be held in high esteem. They should be held accountable for whatever decisions, pertaining to Gaza strip.

All in all, it seems that the NGO's is more open in their support to Gaza, compared to the Palestinian authorities.

Prove me wrong...

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are...