SHAH ALAM - Calls for improved planning and broader involvement of humanitarian organisations have emerged after a second protest by Palestinians at Wisma Transit, Kuala Lumpur, over delayed repatriation to Egypt.
The incident has prompted calls for a more empathetic and collaborative approach to handling those rescued from conflict zones.
Parliamentary Palestine Caucus Chairman Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh suggested that the government should reassess the current strategies, including expediting collaboration with more local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) offering humanitarian assistance.
"Additionally, the government could identify long-settled Palestinians in Malaysia to assist in communicating with and calming those rescued, to better understand their psychological needs.
"Honestly, I have been informed that many of them, particularly the families accompanying Palestinians receiving medical treatment, feel confined and complain of wanting to return to Egypt quickly because they feel like detainees.
"I believe the Malaysian Armed Forces are aware of their situation and understand the importance of involving humanitarian NGOs in Ops Ehsan.
"However, I hope this step is expedited because aspects such as psychological and trauma treatment are better managed by these experienced NGOs," he told Sinar.
Meanwhile, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia international law expert Professor Dr Salawati Mat Basir believed it is time for the government to repatriate any Palestinians who have completed their medical treatment here to Egypt as per their request.
She pointed out that many Palestinians saved by Malaysia are no longer willing to remain at Wisma Transit due to its military-like environment and the restrictive nature of the tight security measures.
"Most of them have no issue being sent back to Egypt. This is because they are not Palestinians brought directly from the Gaza war zone but were already in Egypt after the Israeli attacks. We must learn from these protests to ensure the government makes more thorough preparations in the future.
"We cannot appear rushed in 'rescuing' them only to burden specific government agencies like the Defence Ministry with managing them. Proper preparation should have included humanitarian NGOs to help these Palestinians," she said.
In addition, lawyer Yusmadi Yusoff called for a humane and comprehensive approach, drawing on Malaysia's experience in aiding Bosnian war victims.
He suggested that Palestinians should not be treated as refugees or asylum seekers.
"This is because we adopted a fair, civilised and humane approach to understanding the suffering of war victims. In the case of the Palestinian protests, it is not too late to revise our approach to addressing their concerns.
"The responsibility should not rest solely on the government’s shoulders. All parties, including humanitarian NGOs, must play a larger role in assisting these Palestinians.
"This is also an opportunity for Malaysia to demonstrate to the world that the civilised values championed by the current government are being consistently practised," he said.
The Royal Malaysian Air Force's efforts in August 2024, which brought 41 injured Palestinians and 86 family members to Malaysia, were part of a broader initiative to aid victims of Israeli aggression.
However, recent protests reveal gaps in the overall strategy, highlighting the need for better planning and coordination.