Malaysia to Accept 15 Freed Palestinian Fighters as Humanitarian Commitment
Malaysia will accept 15 Palestinian fighters freed by Israel under the Gaza ceasefire agreement, as confirmed by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. This action demonstrates Malaysia’s support for Palestine while not placing a burden on the nation. Ongoing negotiations are in place for their resettlement, drawing parallels to past experiences with Syrian refugees.
On March 18, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan announced the country’s readiness to accept 15 Palestinian freedom fighters released by Israel under the Gaza ceasefire agreement. He emphasized Malaysia’s longstanding support for Palestine’s quest for independence and stated this initiative would not impose burdens on the nation. The foreign minister indicated that these individuals have been detained by Israel for 20 to 30 years without trial and will not be permitted to return to Palestine after their release.
In his comments, Mohamad highlighted Malaysia’s participation in peace efforts resulting from the ceasefire deal brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. This announcement was made following the launch of a Quran recitation event organized by several social groups in Negeri Sembilan. He confirmed that negotiations for the resettlement of the fighters are in progress, and a team has been dispatched to facilitate their arrival and identify suitable locations for their settlement.
Mohamad drew parallels between the current situation and Malaysia’s previous experience with Syrian refugees, stating that once documentation processes are finalized, the Palestinian fighters could be brought to the country. He emphasized that the resettlement strategy would mirror the approach taken for Syrian refugees, who have since become part of Malaysia’s society.
Furthermore, the foreign minister urged the public to avoid misinterpretations or negative perceptions regarding the acceptance of the Palestinian fighters, framing it as an international humanitarian responsibility. He noted that the Humanitarian Trust Fund for Palestinians has successfully raised RM99 million, underscoring Malaysians’ generosity and compassion. “So what is accepting 15 people compared to that?” he questioned.
The Malaysian government’s decision to accept 15 Palestinian freedom fighters reflects its commitment to international humanitarian responsibility and longstanding support for Palestine. With ongoing negotiations for their resettlement, the initiative aims to contribute to peace efforts stemming from the recent ceasefire agreement. Furthermore, the public is encouraged to embrace this decision positively, aligning it with Malaysia’s tradition of offering sanctuary to those in need.
Original Source: www.malaymail.com
