Saudi aid campaign collects $160m for Gaza

A Saudi national fundraising campaign to provide aid for the people of Gaza has so far raised more than SR600 million ($160 million), organizers said on Monday.

The initiative was launched on Nov. 2, 2023 by Saudi aid agency KSrelief through the Sahem platform for charitable donations, in line with directives from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

By Monday, more than 1.35 million people had accessed the platform to make donations.

Those who wish to contribute can download the Sahem app from Apple’s App Store or Google Play, visit sahem.ksrelief.org, or transfer funds directly to the campaign’s Al-Rajhi Bank account (SA5580000504608018899998).

The Sahem platform, especially in the context of the Gaza war, stands as a remarkable example of how digital platforms can mobilize support and resources for humanitarian causes.

Its emphasis on the security of contributions, combined with its transparent and efficient operational model, has not only garnered immense support but has also set a benchmark for online charitable platforms worldwide.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s 34th plane carrying aid for Palestinians in besieged Gaza arrived at El-Arish International Airport in Egypt on Monday.

The delivery of the aid, which includes 24 tons of food, medical, and shelter supplies, is being coordinated by KSrelief to help Palestinians affected by the conflict within the Gaza Strip.