JOHOR BARU: Permaisuri Johor Raja Zarith Sofiah Binti Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah could not hold back tears as she listened to the plight of the people of Gaza through voices of Palestinian students.
On Saturday (Oct 21), Raja Zarith Sofiah had a dialogue session with Palestinian students at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
"Since Oct 8, I have been following the news on social media about the current situation in Palestine. I feel very sad to see what is happening right now.
"Through today's event, the students shared their experiences while in Palestine and voiced what the world can do to help," said Her Majesty in a statement on the Johor Royal Facebook page.
Raja Zarith Sofiah, also the Chancellor of UTM, was accompanied by Che' Puan Besar Khaleeda, also the Pro-Chancellor of UTM.
During this session, several Palestinian students shared their sadness as not only are the people in their country experiencing death and injury daily, but they are also facing severe food and water shortages.
They also expressed their concerns about their families' fate as they cannot contact them due to internet and electricity cuts.
A total of 31 Palestinian students are now pursuing their studies at UTM, ranging from undergraduate to master's degrees and doctoral levels.
Also present was UTM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Datuk Dr Ahmad Fauzi Ismail.
Prof. Ahmad Fauzi said that meeting with Her Majesty brought solace and relief to the Palestinian students, who are distressed and worrying over their country's bleak situation.
He assured them that UTM stands with them in this time of war and great uncertainty.
