Small island of Vaadhoo raises over MVR 41,000 for Palestinians

Vaadhoo, a sparsely populated island in R. Atoll, has raised over MVR 41,000 to deliver aid to Palestinians, as Israeli air strikes continue to hit Gaza.

The money was raised in a fund raiser organized by the youth of Vaadhoo – an island of some 415 people – on Friday.

In addition to the fund raiser, the island also staged a rally in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

A donation box kept at the island from morning to evening on Friday received MVR 41,453.

Meanwhile, the rally was attended by people of all age groups, who chanted “Free Palestine” and prayed for victory for the Palestinian people.

They help up posters and banners.

The youth who organized the activities said they weren’t organized in collaboration with the local council or NGOs, but did receive support from individual citizens and businesses.

Two weeks into the conflict with Palestinian group Hamas, Israel's bombardment and blockade of Gaza has continued, with over one million people displaced.

The fighting began on October 7, when Hamas initiated Operation Al Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air.

It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al Aqsa Mosque, and increased violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in Gaza.

Over 4,100 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza.

Israel’s response has extended into cutting water and electricity supplies to Gaza, further worsening the living conditions in an area that has endured a crippling siege since 2007.