Humanitarian missions underline close Palestine-M’sia ties

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IN AID OF GAZANS: Former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (front, second right) during a photo call after presenting a Tabung Gaza replica cheque to Aqsa Syarif Berhad chairman Prof Madya Dr Hafidzi Mohd Noor (right) after Diploma in Public Admininistration Premier Talk at Institut Tadbiran Awam Negara (INTAN), Bukit Kiara in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. — Bernama photo

GAZA, Palestinian Territories: Hamas Deputy Foreign Minister Ghazi Hamad on Sunday expressed gratitude over the assistance extended to the Palestinian people by Malaysians whom he regards as ‘brothers’.

He was also appreciative of the various efforts undertaken by Malaysian volunteers to aid the long-suffering Palestinians.

Calling on Kelab Putera 1Malaysia (KP1M) volunteers who are on a humanitarian mission in the coastal enclave, he described Malaysians as ‘true and sincere friends’ of Palestine who never failed to rise to the occasion when the need arose,

“We’ve welcomed many delegations from Malaysia, we really feel that you’re our brothers.

“You’re always present during our difficult times, and because of that, we feel that we’re not alone,” he said.

Ghazi underscored that Palestine and Malaysia would always enjoy close ties.

On another matter, he said reconciliation between rival Palestinian movements of Hamas and Fatah were of utmost priority for the survival of Gaza and Palestine.

“I think it’s shameful for us now, to have divisions among the Palestinians because all of us are under (Israeli) occupation.

“We have to work together, there is no place for differences and internal conflict,” he said.

As part of the mission, a football game was also organised which allowed the KP1M volunteers to get closer to Gaza children.

“You can see how the kids really appreciate us coming to play with them and how happy they are,” said KP1M president and head of the 58-member mission, Datuk Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim.

He disclosed that the team would pick 50 children to be ‘adopted’ by Malaysian families.

“We’re hopeful that there are Malaysians who’re willing to support them financially so that the children can grow up with sufficient needs,” he added. — Bernama