Malaysia is prepared to accept 15 Palestinians recently released from Israeli prisons as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan announced, according to a Star report.
Under the deal, which took effect on January 19, some freed Palestinian prisoners are barred from returning to Gaza. Malaysia, a long-standing supporter of the Palestinian cause, has agreed to offer them resettlement.
"Some of these individuals, whom I consider freedom fighters, have been imprisoned for up to 30 years. Accepting them is our small contribution to peace in Gaza," Mohamad said at a religious event in Kuala Lumpur.
He emphasised that Malaysia, as a responsible global actor, is committed to a lasting peace in Palestine. He also dismissed concerns about the move being a burden, noting that countries like Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt have taken in millions of Palestinian refugees.
Turkey and Egypt are absorbing most of the released prisoners, while Qatar, Pakistan, and Indonesia will also participate. Mohamad expressed confidence that Malaysians, who have long supported the Palestinian cause, will welcome the new arrivals.
Citing Malaysia’s humanitarian efforts, he highlighted that Wisma Putra had raised RM99 million for Palestine, with RM67 million already disbursed.
Mohamad rejected criticism that Malaysia should prioritise its own citizens over international aid. "We are fulfilling our duty as a responsible nation," he said, recalling Malaysia’s acceptance of 300 Syrian refugees in 2016.
He reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to advocating for Palestinian rights on the global stage, pledging continued diplomatic efforts until Palestine gains full independence.
On March 16, reports indicated that 15 recently released Palestinian prisoners had arrived in Turkey as part of the ceasefire terms. Israel has freed around 1,900 Palestinian detainees so far, including over 270 serving life sentences.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
