Malaysia is set to accept 15 Palestinian fighters released by Israel as part of a ceasefire agreement. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan affirmed the country’s support for Palestine and clarified that the fighters would not return to Palestine. He encouraged a positive view of this humanitarian effort, citing Malaysia’s generous history in aiding global humanitarian crises.
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 as a condition for the Gaza ceasefire agreement. He emphasized Malaysia’s longstanding support for Palestine’s quest for independence, asserting that this decision does not impose any burden on the nation.
The foreign minister stipulated that the 15 fighters, who had been imprisoned without trial for periods ranging from 20 to 30 years, will not be permitted to return to Palestine after their release. “We are participating in peace efforts as part of the ceasefire deal initiated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States,” he stated during a press conference following the Khatam al-Quran event held by local organizations.
Currently, negotiations are underway to finalize arrangements for the fighters, with a dedicated team tasked to identify those being resettled in Malaysia. The minister indicated that the resettlement process would follow a model similar to that used for Syrian refugees, who have successfully integrated into Malaysian society since the onset of the Syrian war.
Furthermore, he encouraged Malaysians to refrain from misinterpretations regarding the acceptance of the fighters, framing it as an initiative to meet international responsibilities. Mohamad highlighted the generosity of the Malaysian people, referencing the Humanitarian Trust Fund for Palestinians, which has successfully raised RM99 million, asserting that “what is accepting 15 people compared to that?”
In conclusion, Malaysia’s decision to accept 15 Palestinian fighters highlights its commitment to supporting Palestine’s struggle for independence while engaging in international peace efforts. This move reflects the nation’s humanitarian stance and aligns with the recent ceasefire agreement facilitated by global powers. Ultimately, it underscores Malaysia’s willingness to fulfill its international obligations without imposing significant burdens on its own society.
Original Source: www.malaymail.com
