Malaysian Organization Participated in Airdrop with Jordan, Refutes "Middle East Eye" Report - Jordan News

Jordan News

10-05-2025

The Malaysian organization KHOM (Karisma Humanitarian Outreach Mission) issued a significant statement to its supporters and the Malaysian public, addressing what it described as a 'misleading and inaccurate statement currently circulating in the media—particularly from a UK-based website'—regarding the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza via Jordan. اضافة اعلان The website Middle East Eye, broadcasting from London, published an unsubstantiated report on Thursday alleging that Jordanian authorities profited from the Gaza airdrops. In its statement on Friday, KHOM emphasized that it had worked closely with Jordanian authorities since the start of the crisis, including the successful coordination of Malaysia's first and only airdrop mission to Gaza, which took place in April 2024. The historic mission included 480 food boxes, 200 hygiene kits, and 200 cans of baby formula. KHOM clarified that the aid was officially handed over to Jordanian authorities. The Royal Jordanian Air Force facilitated the aerial drop of the food supplies, while the hygiene kits and baby formula were transported by land. Addressing the circulating rumor that the Jordanian government profited from relief operations, the organization affirmed that such claims are 'misleading.' To clarify, KHOM stated: 'Jordan has never charged KHOM any fees for the airdrop mission. In fact, the airdrop was entirely funded by the Jordanian authorities themselves, and KHOM expresses its deep gratitude for their generous support and collaboration.' Regarding overland deliveries—which KHOM resumed like other NGOs once access routes into Gaza through Jordan became viable—the organization noted that such operations incur necessary logistical and administrative costs. These include trailer and truck rentals, fuel, border coordination and clearance, support for aid workers and drivers, temporary warehouse storage, and safety and risk management in conflict zones. KHOM stressed that 'These are not profit-based fees imposed by Jordanian authorities, but actual operational costs borne by NGOs to ensure aid reaches those in need. Aid trucks cannot move without fuel, drivers, and secure access.' Crucially, KHOM clarified that its responsibility ends once the aid boxes are packed and officially handed over to the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO). From that point, the Jordanian Armed Forces and relevant authorities assume full responsibility for transporting and delivering the aid to Gaza. KHOM urged the public to exercise caution and discernment when confronted with such rumors, affirming that the spread of inaccurate information undermines the tireless efforts of NGOs, governments, and volunteers who work around the clock to deliver life-saving aid to one of the world's most challenging conflict zones. KHOM concluded its statement by reaffirming its full support for its partners in Jordan and its commitment to transparency and accountability in all missions, while expressing sincere gratitude for the continued support and trust of its donors and collaborators. The statement was issued on behalf of KHOM and signed by Nick Marina Hussin, President of KHOM and Mission Director. Meanwhile, the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization expressed surprise and rejection of the false and misleading narrative published by a London-based website, which it said misrepresents Jordan's extensive humanitarian and relief efforts in Gaza since late 2023. The organization's media office stated in a press release on Thursday that the English-language news site sent a list of questions late Thursday, which were framed in a biased and accusatory manner, relying on what it called 'allegations' for which a response was requested. The office noted that the site demanded answers within three hours, suggesting that the intention was to publish the story without waiting for a response—deliberately aiming to distort Jordan's image and its role. The questions, it added, were designed to create the appearance of journalistic neutrality, though the website's staff knew such open-ended, accusatory questions on complex relief operations required time to answer with accuracy, clarity, and transparency. The media office emphasized that all donations received by the organization reached the people of Gaza without any amount being withheld for costs or fees. Regarding financial matters, it clarified that Jordan bore the full costs of land convoys, airdrops, the air bridge, and planes sent via Al-Arish, even before many countries and organizations joined these relief efforts. Concerning the cost of airdrops, the office stated that Jordan fully funded its own 125 airdrops. Meanwhile, 266 airdrops funded by partner countries were also conducted, with participant nations announced after each mission.
It further revealed that the actual cost of airdrops exceeded the figures reported by the news site, with free-fall drops costing around $210,000 each, and GPS-guided drops costing up to $450,000. These cost details, the office said, are well documented and known to the countries and international organizations involved.