BANDUNG – Explosions may have become a suffocating daily reality for the people of Gaza. But in recent days, a far more heartbreaking sound has emerged from the corners of refugee camps — the cries of starvation that are leading to death.
This devastating situation was conveyed by Atallah Abu Ouda, Deputy Director of Al-Kautsar Foundation (AKF) Southeast Asia, in an exclusive interview with DT Peduli on Friday, July 18, 2025. The interview took place following a coordination meeting with DT Peduli at their Head Office in Bandung, as part of efforts to strengthen humanitarian synergy for Palestine.
Al-Kautsar Foundation is DT Peduli’s official humanitarian partner in Gaza. Through this collaboration, aid from the Indonesian public can be channeled directly and effectively to crisis-affected residents of Gaza.
“They’ve endured genocide, ethnic cleansing. Now, the people of Gaza are dying from starvation,” Atallah began.
He described the situation in Gaza with a somber and heartfelt tone. According to him, the suffering of the Palestinian people is no longer only due to the relentless military attacks, but also to the scarcity of food, clean water, and other necessities.
“They are waiting for our help. Imagine — babies and children have no milk, no diapers. My family in Deir al-Balah contacted me just yesterday. They only have food for the next two or three days — and even that is just plain rice and macaroni. There’s no nutrition,” he revealed.
Meat, chicken, vegetables, and fruits have become nearly impossible to obtain. And if available, the prices are extremely high.
“One kilogram of vegetables can cost up to $70, or at least $20. It’s extremely expensive. Completely unaffordable,” he said.
Atallah added that this crisis has trapped Gaza’s population in prolonged hunger. In such a dire situation, he stressed that targeted humanitarian aid is crucial.
“Alhamdulillah, our team is still able to operate within Gaza. We continue to strive to provide community kitchens, distribute ready-to-eat meals, clean water, hygiene supplies, and special hygiene kits for women and babies,” he explained.
These programs, he emphasized, are top priorities in ensuring the survival and dignity of the people of Gaza.
“This is not just about surviving. It’s about preserving their dignity as human beings,” he asserted.
At the end of the interview, Atallah expressed his deep gratitude and love for the people of Indonesia:
“I want to say thank you a thousand times, thank you. Hatur nuhun (sundanesse from thank you) for all the support from Indonesia. We, the people of Palestine, truly love and appreciate the people of Indonesia. But we beg of you — please keep giving. Continue supporting your brothers and sisters in Gaza, because they desperately need you,” he concluded.
Writer: AID
Editor: Agus ID