KUALA LUMPUR: All six volunteers from Mercy Malaysia's emergency medical team have safely exited Gaza and are now out of the war zone.
Mercy Malaysia, in a statement today, said the team of volunteers, who had been on the ground to provide emergency medical services and humanitarian aid had crossed the border out of Palestine.
"The successful exit of our team was made possible through the invaluable assistance and coordination with the World Health Organisation's Emergency Medical Team Coordination Cell (WHO-EMTCC).
"Their efforts in ensuring a safe and secure passage for our volunteers have been very crucial, and we extend our deepest gratitude to WHO-EMTCC for their unwavering support."
They also expressed their gratitude to the Malaysian Embassy in Amman, Jordan whose staff were with a team from Mercy Malaysia's headquarters to receive team members as they crossed the border.
The embassy also provided them with assistance and ensured their wellbeing throughout the transition.
Mercy Malaysia added that they had previously sent three of its emergency medical teams on rotation since February this year, all of whom had played a role in delivering critical medical care and humanitarian aid in Gaza.
"Mercy Malaysia remains committed to its mission of providing medical relief and humanitarian assistance to communities in crisis, while at the same time ensuring that the safety and well-being of our volunteers remain as our top priorities," they said.
Israel reportedly closed the Kerem Shalom crossing between Israel and Southern Gaza, which is the entry point for most humanitarian aid to Palestinian territories.
On May 7, the Israeli army also reportedly seized and closed the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza.