PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has channelled some RM70mil to the people of Palestine from the Humanitarian Trust Fund for the People of Palestine, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The amount, he said, was from the RM99mil donated to the fund since it was launched in October last year.
He said the funds had been distributed to key platforms such as the United Nations’ flash appeals, Ops Ihsan – an initiative led by non-governmental organisation (NGOs) working alongside the Egyptian Red Crescent – and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, with support from the Egyptian government.
“There is still a little more and we will hand it over directly to the Palestinian authorities so they can rebuild or manage the wells that have been destroyed, as well as provide the medical assistance that is urgently needed,” he told reporters after presenting Malaysia’s contribution of US$5mil (RM22.34mil) to Palestine under a Jordan initiative at Wisma Putra yesterday.
He said the fund had supported critical initiatives such as the upkeep of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and as assistance to Palestinian students in Malaysia.
On the Malaysia-Jordan collaboration for the people of Palestine, Mohamad said it was planned under an operation that aims to establish an air bridge between Zarqa in Jordan and the Karni crossing near Gaza.
“This mission, which is set to run for seven days, will be using Black Hawk helicopters to deliver 238 tonnes of high-value aid to Palestinians, making it easier for the international community to ensure that critical humanitarian aid is safely and efficiently delivered,” he said.
Solidarity in action: Foreign Ministry sectary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin (left) and Mohamad with Jordanian ambassador Dr Ismael Madallah Suliman Maaytah (second right) handing over a mock cheque to the ambassador of Palestine, Walid Abu Ali (right) at Wisma Putra in Putrajaya. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
The contribution would also assist Jordan in acquiring more trucks to be used to enter Gaza via the land route, he added.
“Whether through air or land, every effort matters and every penny counts in aiding the Palestinians to survive, rebuild, and reclaim their dignity.
“This is not just an act of generosity, but a life-saving undertaking for people deprived of basic needs,” said Mohamad.
On another matter, the Foreign Minister said there was no intention yet to repatriate some 50 Malaysians, including students, who are currently in Syria.
He said Malaysians there are safe and the situation in Syria remains peaceful.
“Our honorary consul communicates daily with Wisma Putra and directly with me, taking photos and videos of our students, who are safe.
“They have enough food and are staying in their respective colleges,” he said.
Mohamad said Malaysia’s honorary consul also communicates with the students daily and with the college authorities.
Malaysians requiring consular assistance are urged to contact the honorary consul of Malaysia in Syria or the Embassy of Malaysia in Amman.
On Dec 9, rebels seized Damascus and toppled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government, ending his family’s five-decade rule.
