Malaysia has agreed to accept 15 Palestinian fighters released by Israel as part of a Gaza ceasefire deal. Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan stated this move underscores Malaysia’s long-standing support for Palestinian independence. Negotiations for their resettlement are ongoing, and public contributions to Palestinian humanitarian efforts demonstrate national generosity.
On March 18, Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan announced the nation’s readiness to accept 15 Palestinian fighters, recently released by Israel as part of a Gaza ceasefire agreement. This decision aligns with Malaysia’s ongoing support for Palestine’s independence and is regarded as appropriate and manageable for the country.
The Minister noted that the fighters had been detained by Israel for 20 to 30 years without trial and will not have the option to return to Palestine after their release. He emphasized that Malaysia’s participation is in the context of peace efforts related to the ceasefire initiative led by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
During a press interaction after a Khatam al-Quran event in Negeri Sembilan, Mohamad stated that negotiations are underway to arrange for the relocation of the fighters to Malaysia. A team has been assigned to select the individuals and determine their future living arrangements. The resettlement method will resemble that used for Syrian refugees during the onset of the Syrian conflict.
Additionally, Mohamad encouraged Malaysians to approach this initiative positively, clarifying that it fulfills an international obligation. He highlighted the generosity of Malaysians, citing the RM99 million raised by the Humanitarian Trust Fund for Palestinians as evidence of their compassion, suggesting that accepting the fighters is a minor facet of the broader humanitarian effort.
Malaysia’s acceptance of the Palestinian fighters illustrates its commitment to international humanitarian obligations and support for Palestine. The decision aligns with Malaysia’s history of supporting Palestinian independence and showcases the nation’s ability to integrate refugees, as evidenced by its past experience with Syrian refugees. Additionally, the large charitable contributions from the Malaysian populace reflect the country’s solidarity with humanitarian causes.
Original Source: www.bernama.com
