PUTRAJAYA: Those who want to assist Palestinians should do so from Malaysia, and not head to the war-torn Gaza strip, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
According to the Prime Minister, this was the message conveyed by several NGOs such as Mercy Malaysia and those involved in the Ops Ihsan and the Sumud Flotilla initiative, which he met in the recent days.
“They said they need medication, food and basic supplies. They don’t need a large presence there.
“This should be a reminder because many people want to go there,” said Anwar after performing Friday prayers at a surau in Putrajaya on Friday (Oct 17).
Anwar also said Palestinians at the Gaza Strip are not keen for large numbers of volunteers to be there.
“They are saying they have the labour, but they have no jobs. So let them (Palestinians) work. I have reminded NGOs here that if they want to help, help in terms of preparations from here,” he added.
According to Anwar, thousands of Malaysians have recently applied to volunteer in the war-torn Gaza strip.
At the same time, Anwar said Malaysia is set to speak with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at 2pm on Saturday (Oct 18) to discuss the reopening of the Rafah border between Gaza and Egypt.
“I will give some other views as well, so that when the Rafah border is reopened, there is space for us to channel humanitarian aid based on present regulations,” added Anwar.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has said the Rafah border could reopen on Sunday (Oct 19) and it is currently coordinating with Egypt to set a date.
Presently, the Rafah border is closed and all humanitarian supplies bound for Gaza would instead pass through the Karem Abu Salem borders after Israeli security inspections.
The Rafah border was initially due to be reopened on Wednesday (Oct 15) under the terms of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that took effect last week.
