Malaysia’s Blue Helmet Troops Donates 36,000 Liters of Clean Water to Hospital in Southern Lebanon

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT 850-11), operating under the United Nations (UN) flag, has been mobilized to provide humanitarian aid in the form of clean water supplies to Tibnine Hospital on October 21 and 22.

Tibnine, located in southern Lebanon, has repeatedly come under airstrikes from Israeli fighter jets.

According to a statement from the Joint Forces Headquarters, Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) on its social media platform, the clean water supply is part of a humanitarian initiative coordinated by J9-CIMIC through G9-CIMIC, with logistical support from MALBATT personnel deployed to Tibnine Hospital.

“A total of 36,000 liters of clean water was delivered over two days, involving 12 MALBATT peacekeepers led by Major Mohd Razalan bin Ahmad, the Commander of Company C,” the statement read.

The water donation was received by Tibnine Hospital Director, Dr. Mohamad Hemedeh, who expressed his deep gratitude to MALBATT 850-11 for the timely assistance.

“We are truly touched by MALBATT 850-11’s prompt response, and the clean water will be fully utilized to meet the hospital’s needs,” Dr. Hemedeh said.

The contribution of clean water forms part of a broader UNIFIL humanitarian effort, in collaboration with MALBATT, aimed at supporting the local community amidst ongoing conflict in the region.

More than 800 Malaysian peacekeepers are currently serving under MALBATT 850-11 as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

They are stationed at two permanent bases – Camp Ma’rakah and Camp Tibnine – and carry out operational tasks assigned by UNIFIL, focusing on the designated Area of Responsibility (AOR).

Recently, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin disclosed that all units under UNIFIL, including MALBATT 850-11, have been instructed to suspend patrols and logistical movements.

“MALBATT 850-11, operating in southern Lebanon, has been directed by UNIFIL to remain within their bases,” he said.

He added that UNIFIL’s headquarters has implemented a ‘bunker drill’ protocol for fortified protection until the situation stabilizes.

On October 17, Mohamed Khaled informed Parliament that MALBATT personnel based in Tibnine and Ma’rakah are authorized to respond in self-defense if attacked by Israeli forces.

“If they are attacked, they are permitted to respond in self-defense,” he said. “However, offensive attacks are not allowed.”

Since October 1, Israel has reportedly launched extensive airstrikes and unprecedented ground operations in Lebanon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also warned UNIFIL forces to leave southern Lebanon immediately. – DSA