Muslim charity lauds UK support for its work in Gaza

LONDON: A Muslim charity founded by an Australian-Palestinian businessman which is currently working in Gaza has lauded donations and support it has received from the UK.

Muslims Around The World, which was established by Ali Banat in 2016, has been helping Palestinian refugees and displaced people on the ground in the enclave.

Aided by donations and support from the UK, MATW has delivered critical aid and support to those displaced and in need of humanitarian support in Gaza.

It has provided more than 46 million meals to vulnerable families and individuals and supplied more than 66,000 health and hygiene kits, providing vital items such as soap, sanitizers and personal protective equipment.

The charity has also provided shelter items and clothing to 67,892 people and medical supplies and education materials to more than 152,000 people.

Banat died in 2018 after a terminal cancer diagnosis two years previously, but MATW continues his vision and work and operates in more than 20 countries, providing essential aid and support to the most vulnerable populations.

An Israeli military operation in Gaza has claimed more than 40,000 Palestinian lives, according to Hamas-run health ministry statistics, and has crippled its infrastructure, hugely impacting the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory.

“At MATW Project, we are dedicated to providing life-saving assistance to those affected by the ongoing crisis in Gaza,” a spokesperson for the charity said.

“Our team has been working tirelessly on the ground since October to ensure that the essential needs of food, shelter, health, and general aid are met. We remain committed to our mission of helping those in need and making a positive impact on the lives of millions.”

Since its inception, MATW’s work has impacted the lives of more than 90 million people, offering “hope, sustenance, and opportunities for a brighter future,” the spokesperson added.