The funds raised as part of the nationwide fundraising telethon campaign to help Palestinians, have officially been handed over to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A total of MVR 19,186,851.5 was raised in donations during the telethon.

The cheque was officially handed over to Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer by Public Service Media (PSM) during a special ceremony held on Wednesday.

The nationwide fundraising telethon campaign was titled “Falastheenaa Eku Dhivehin” which translated means “Maldivians with Palestine” and was organized by PSM in collaboration with other local media outlets. 13 donation boxes were been set up in several areas of the capital Greater Malé Region, as part of this telethon. Those who were unable to visit these areas to make a donation had the opportunity to make online deposits as well.

The funds raised through the telethon will reach Palestine through the foreign ministry and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established under a 1948 United Nations Assembly decision, in a bid to aid the people of Palestine.

The foreign ministry revealed that once the funds reach UNRWA, it will be shared with PSM as well as auditors who carried out the work, and that the information will be publicized.

An independent auditor was appointed to ensure the transparent administration of the telethon, upon the president’s instructions. This will ensure the proceeds of the event reach Palestine as intended.

During the telethon, it was also revealed that the government of Maldives would be increasing its annual contribution to the people of Palestine.

Maldives has been contributing USD 5,000 to this fund annually.

The government has since decided to increase its annual contribution to this fund, to USD 50,000.