KUALA LUMPUR – Palestine’s ambassador to Malaysia, Walid Abu Ali, has emphasised that the injured Palestinians currently receiving treatment in Malaysia will not be staying in the country permanently.
His statement comes amid some criticism of Malaysia’s initiative to provide medical care to those affected by the recent Gaza conflict.
Speaking to Scoop, Walid expressed surprise at the negative reactions to Malaysia’s compassionate gesture. He urged people to view the initiative through a humanitarian rather than a political lens.
“Malaysia is hosting these injured Palestinians temporarily for their medical treatment. They will return home once their treatment is complete, as Malaysia is not intended to be a permanent refuge for them,” Walid explained.
“As an ambassador, I have always believed that, despite any internal differences, the issue of Palestine unites Malaysians.”
“I am genuinely surprised by the backlash. While I do not involve myself in Malaysian domestic politics, I recognise that no initiative garners unanimous support. It is normal to encounter dissenting voices.”
Walid praised Malaysia for being the first Asian country to undertake such an initiative, noting that other Middle Eastern countries like Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and some GCC members have previously offered similar support.
“I am deeply grateful for the prime minister’s initiative. The entire Malaysian community and all involved agencies have our heartfelt thanks. This act of kindness towards Palestine will be long remembered and appreciated,” he added.
The conflict between Palestine and Israel has long been centred on disputes over land, particularly the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem.
On October 7 last year, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups launched an attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip after years of continued Israeli occupation of its territories. In retaliation, Israel conducted extensive bombings of the Gaza Strip.
The ambassador had previously said to Bernama TV in early August that the death toll in Gaza had surpassed 40,000, with approximately 15,000 people trapped under debris from the bombings.
As of August 19, Al-Jazeera, citing Gaza’s Health Ministry, reported that at least 40,139 Palestinians have been killed, including nearly 16,500 children. Additionally, over 94,743 people have been injured, and more than 10,000 are reported missing.
On August 16, following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s directive, the Royal Malaysian Air Force transported 41 injured Palestinians and 86 family members from Cairo’s Al Maza Air Force Base to Subang Air Base in Selangor.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that the decision to bring the injured Palestinians to Malaysia was driven by the prime minister’s deep concern for their suffering. Despite this, the initiative has faced criticism, which Anwar Ibrahim has addressed with regret.
“Israel continues to inflict violence, causing severe suffering among Palestinians. While we bring those in need of medical treatment to Malaysia, some critics have questioned my role as prime minister, suggesting I should lead in Palestine if I truly wish to assist,” Anwar said during the closing ceremony of the Madani Rakyat Programme at Dataran UTM recently.
In November last year, Walid stated that his people would rather die defending their homeland than become refugees in other countries.
“Malaysia will never be a home to Palestinian refugees. We ask Malaysia to help us obtain the right to return (to Palestine), we want to live in Palestine and we want to die in Palestine,” he told reporters during a press conference then.
“Palestinians will not accept being refugees outside the Palestine borders.” – August 22, 2024