The Maldivian Red Crescent (MRC) has closed the Palestine Relief Fund.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, MRC announced its completion of the initial tranche of Palestine Relief Fund and its closure on November 12.

MRC in mid-October opened the emergency appeal to donate funds to Palestine Red Crescent, in support of their response and relief efforts in the wake of the rapidly escalating Humanitarian Crisis in the Gaza Strip.

This comes after the Palestine Red Crescent in a press release issued on October 13, urged the international community and movement partners for interference to prevent the “humanitarian catastrophe” that is unfolding in Gaza.

The Maldivian Red Crescent revealed that the funds raised in the emergency appeal, will be directed to the Preliminary Emergency Appeal launched by the Palestine Red Crescent on October 10.

It was targeted towards the delivery of humanitarian assistance such as the provision of first aid and health services, fuel and essential supplies for the operation of humanitarian facilities, transfer of the sick and wounded, the provision of clean water, sanitation and hygiene, shelter, basic relief items including food, clothing and household essentials, protection and community engagement to the most vulnerable.

MRC initially revealed that the emergency appeal funds will be collected from October 14 through October 28.

However, the period for donations was later extended until November 12, due to the rapidly deteriorating situation in Gaza and due to the public appeal towards the extension of MRC’s Palestine Relief Fund.

The fund has been closed for the time being, with MRC Currently working on realizing the final committed funds by individuals and organizations.

MRC will be announcing the final amount of funds received through donations, on November 19.

MRC initiated the transfer of funds received as of October 28 as previously announced. As such, a total of MVR 2,105,227.14 was transferred to Palestinian Red Crescent on November 5.

MRC revealed that the funds transferred will be utilized by Palestinian Red Crescent Society for the on-going response efforts and provision of critical humanitarian activities in accordance with their emergency appeal.

Since the fund has been closed, MRC has begun the internal process to fulfil the necessary requirements to transfer the remaining funds received by November 12.

MRC expressed commitment to efforts to ensure complete transparency and accountability for all the donations received and assured that they would share timely updates with the public on the transfer and utilization of the funds to help those in need in Palestine.

Israel declared war on Palestine after Hamas launched a mass military operation into the territory of Israel on October 7 in response to Israeli violation of the Al Aqsa Mosque. Attacks on Palestinians by Israeli settlers have since spiked and the death toll has exceeded the 11,000-mark.