MRCS MEDICAL TEAM TRYING TO REACH GAZA

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 17 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) medical team to provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians who are stuck in Rafah are making efforts to reach Gaza hospital 8km away.

Team leader Dr Yahaya Abu Ahmad said more than 100 doctors were in Rafah
to treat victims of Israel atrocities but only doctors from Arab countries were
allowed to cross the border.

"Foreign doctors including those from Europe had not been permitted to cross
the border. We are trying our best to enter Gaza so that help can be delivered,"
he told Bernama when contacted Friday.

Dr Yahaya is accompanied by logistics officer Nasir Khan Abdul Rahman.

MRCS had been told by the Egyptian and Palestinian Red Cross Society that
hospitals in Gaza need more medicine and equipments.

He said more aid could be delivered if more doctors and medical specialists
were allowed to enter Gaza.

The situation in Rafah on the Egypt-Gaza border was tense and getting more
critical with rising Palestinian casualties while aid was limited.

"It is still tense with many innocent people becoming bomb victims. We will
not budge and will continue to offer help."

Dr Yahaya said at El-Arish military hospital about 40 km from Rafah, 15-20
victims arrived at any one time and when their conditions stabilised, they would
be transferred to Cairo hospital for further treatment.

"I was told that over 5,000 victims are being treated at hospitals around
here, including those who suffer serious bomb injuries."

MRCS had also set up a Humanitarian Fund For Palestine to help the
Palestinians.

The public can send their donations for Gaza via Maybank account 5144 2210
2657 or by sending cheques in the name of 'MRCS International Aid Fund' by
writing 'Gaza City' at the back.
-- BERNAMA