'It would be premature to send Palestinians back without the assurance of safety' - Mohamad

KUALA LUMPUR - Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has committed to assisting Palestinians who wish to return to their homeland once a permanent ceasefire is established.

Speaking at the World Trade Centre during the Umno General Assembly 2024, Mohamad detailed Malaysia's stance on the sensitive issue amidst ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Mohamad said that while Malaysia is prepared to help Palestinians return, their repatriation will only proceed once the region stabilises and all parties agree to a permanent ceasefire.

"It would be premature to send them back without the assurance of safety.

"We will wait until a durable peace agreement is in place," he told reporters when met at the sideline of the Umno General Assembly at World Trade Centre (WTC) here today.

The minister also addressed concerns regarding the Palestinians currently in Malaysia, emphasiszing that their stay is temporary.

"The people who are worried about them staying here permanently need not worry.

"It is their desire to return home, and they do not wish to remain in Malaysia," Mohamad added.

This statement comes in the wake of Malaysia's humanitarian gesture on Aug 16, when the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) facilitated the transfer of 127 Palestinians to Malaysia for medical treatment.

This group, comprising 41 patients and their 86 relatives, ranges in age from eight months to 62 years.