SUBANG: The government’s initiative to bring 41 injured Palestinians to Malaysia is aimed at lowering security risks for the patients.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said that due to the indiscriminate nature of the Israeli army’s attacks, which did not differentiate between hospitals and military installations, setting up a field hospital in the conflict zone would be highly dangerous.
“The Israeli army or Israeli Defence Forces will bomb both hospitals and army camps without mercy.
“Given Malaysia’s firm stance against the atrocities committed by Israel, there could also be security risks to Malaysian military personnel,” he told a press conference after welcoming 127 Palestinians at the Subang Air Base yesterday.
Mohamed Khaled noted that other countries have also extended medical assistance, such as Indonesia which sent a military ship to transport victims.
“Our objective is to provide a safe and secure environment for their treatment without any threat to their lives,” he added.
When asked about the future of the 41 injured Palestinians once their treatment is complete, Mohamed Khaled said the government will address that issue at a later time.
“We will cross that bridge when we come to it,” he said.
Regarding the possibility of additional flights to bring more injured Palestinians to Malaysia, Mohamed Khaled said the government would consider it.
Due to security reasons and the toll of a 13-hour journey, the media was not permitted to interview the Palestinians.
The 41 injured Palestinians, ranging from eight months to 62 years old, suffered various injuries – including burns and missing limbs.
They will receive treatment at the Tuanku Mizan Armed Forces Hospital in Wangsa Maju.
They are accompanied by 86 family members, with the Palestinians’ safety overseen by the Armed Forces while in Malaysia.
