KUALA LUMPUR: The number of Palestinians seeking repatriation has increased since the ceasefire in Gaza came into effect on Sunday (Jan 19), says the Palestinian Ambassador to Malaysia, Walid Abu Ali.
He said that prior to the ceasefire, approximately 50 out of the total of 128 Palestinians had requested repatriation.
"The Embassy of Palestine in Malaysia received some new applications (from the Palestinians) to be repatriated following the recent ceasefire.
The Palestinians want go back to where they came from by their choice. Nobody forced them to do so," he told reporters when met at International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) near here on Wednesday (Jan 22).
He added that the embassy had submitted an official note to the Prime Minister and the Defence Ministry via the Malaysian Foreign Ministry regarding the matter.
"But for those who are interested to continue treatment in Malaysia or to stay in Malaysia as they were promised, they will be given permission for one year, (and) they are most welcome.
"So we (the embassy) are waiting for the feedback from Malaysian authorities to make a decision on the situation," he said.
On Aug 16 last year, Malaysia brought in 127 Palestinians, including 41 patients injured in Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip. The injured were treated at the Tuanku Mizan Military Hospital here, while their relatives were accommodated at the Kuala Lumpur Transit House (WTKL).
Ali noted that the total number of the group now stands at 128, as one child was born in Malaysia recently.
On Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the government is arranging the repatriation of 127 Palestinians, including 41 injured individuals who were brought to Malaysia for treatment.
Commenting on the ceasefire, Ali said that while it was announced in theory, Israel continues to carry out the genocide and has now shifted its focus from Gaza to Jenin and West Bank.
"Even last night they (Israelis) were striking Rafah and Khan Younis. Ceasefire has already been violated by the Israelis," he added.
He opined that the ceasefire was announced to enable Israeli hostages to be released while they will continue their aggression on innocent Palestinians.
Nevertheless, he said that in the past two days, the international community had succeeded in sending some humanitarian aid, such as food, tents and shelter, to the Palestinians in need. - Bernama
