Malaysia plans to accept 15 Palestinian freedom fighters released by Israel as part of a ceasefire agreement, according to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He affirmed that this decision aligns with Malaysia’s support for Palestine and is part of international peace efforts. The minister reassured that there is no undue burden on the country.
On March 18, 2023, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan announced that the nation is prepared to accept 15 Palestinian freedom fighters released by Israel, as a component of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. He highlighted Malaysia’s enduring support for Palestine’s quest for independence and emphasized that this move would not unduly burden the country.
The foreign minister explained that the 15 fighters have been held by Israel for two to three decades without trial and will not have the opportunity to return to Palestine upon their release. He stated, “We are participating in peace efforts as part of the ceasefire deal initiated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.”
During a press conference subsequent to the Khatam al-Quran event, Mohamad, who is also the MP for Rembau, detailed that negotiations are ongoing to identify the individuals who will be brought to Malaysia, with their resettlement locations to be determined later. He suggested that once documentation is completed, arrangements for their arrival would proceed, similar to the process undertaken for Syrian refugees during the beginning of the Syrian war.
In his comments, he cautioned the Malaysian public against misconstruing the decision to accept the fighters, asserting that it is a fulfillment of international obligations. He pointed out that the Humanitarian Trust Fund for Palestinians has successfully raised RM99 million, reflecting the generosity of the Malaysian people, and questioned, “So what is accepting 15 people compared to that?”
Malaysia’s decision to accept 15 Palestinian fighters demonstrates its commitment to supporting Palestine and contributing to international peace initiatives. The government emphasizes that this humanitarian gesture is part of fulfilling its international responsibilities, while also encouraging public support and understanding of the situation.
Original Source: www.malaymail.com
