Medicines dispatched by Bahraini donors reach Gaza

Manama: Medical supplies dispatched by Bahraini donors and expatriate living in Bahrain have been delivered to the needy in war-hit Gaza, but other basic requirements have not been allowed through the Rafah border, an activist said.

"The crossing remained closed for days, but when it was opened for a short period of time, we were able to deliver the medical supplies to the people. Unfortunately, the foodstuff and much-needed blankets have been blocked," said Khalid Amin Abdul Kareem, an activist with Al Eslah Society, a local NGO.

"We are all grateful to the people who have donated so generously and who have been supporting the people in Gaza during these critical times. We urge them to continue their efforts and we hope that others will join in the campaigns to assist the innocent victims who are in dire need of food and medical supplies in the war-torn area."

Pro-Gaza feelings are running high in Bahrain where locals and expatriates have staged daily rallies in solidarity with the Palestinians and protesting at the air raids and ground attacks by the Israelis.

Hundreds of children made history on Friday by braving the cold weather and strong winds to organize a demonstration in which they carried Palestinian flags and called for "saving Palestinian children from the fears, dangers and uncertainty to which they are constantly and ominously exposed."

According to Palestinian health officials, 59 children have been killed since the fighting began.

The Bahrain Medical Society said three Bahraini doctors were scheduled to leave for the Rafah border crossing where they will administer treatment to the victims of the Israeli onslaught. The delegation will also hand over $25,000 collected through a fund-raising campaign in Bahrain's malls.

"We also have 15 more doctors from various specialties who have applied to go to Gaza to help with the humanitarian crisis and treat victims. They will leave as soon as we have confirmation that they can make it into Gaza," Dr Ahmad Jamal, the society president, said.

Dr Aziz Hamza, undersecretary of the health ministry, said hospitals in Bahrain were ready to take Palestinian patients.