GEORGE TOWN: The government is arranging the repatriation of 127 Palestinians, including 41 injured individuals who were brought to Malaysia for treatment, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said that the matter was discussed during the Cabinet meeting last week and is being coordinated by the Foreign Affairs Ministry in collaboration with the Defence Ministry
"Both ministries involved will finalise the details soon, and all of them (the Palestinians) are in good health. The injured Palestinians have received treatment and requested to return home so during this ceasefire period, it might be the right time for their repatriation," he told a press conference after the closing ceremony of the KKDW Retreat 2025 here on Sunday (Jan 19).
The 42-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza came into effect on Sunday
On Aug 16 last year, Malaysia brought in 127 Palestinians, including 41 patients injured in Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip. The injured were transferred to Tuanku Mizan Military Hospital in Kuala Lumpur, while their relatives were accommodated at the Kuala Lumpur Transit House (WTKL).
Meanwhile, Dr Ahmad Zahid revealed that the Palestinian Ambassador to Malaysia, Walid Abu Ali, has issued an apology following incidents involving Palestinians at WTKL.
"We understand that they (the Palestinians) may be under stress, having stayed in Malaysia for an extended period,” he said.
Two incidents were reported, one on Jan 5 and another in October last year. - Bernama
