by HIDAYATH HISHAM

MALAYSIA has pledged US$500,000 (RM2.2 million) each to the Hashemite Charitable Organisation and King Hussein Cancer Centre in Jordan to support Palestinian cancer patients, says Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin.

“Our commitment remains steadfast in supporting the Palestinian people’s right to sovereignty and recovery post-conflict,” he said in Parliament today.

The aids form part of Malaysia’s efforts to assist Palestine amid escalating hostilities in Gaza since the Hamas-Israel conflict which began on Oct 7, 2023.

“Malaysia, alongside NGOs, has delivered over 5,000 tonnes of aid via the Rafah border crossing, benefitting millions of Palestinians,” he added.

With the Rafah crossing closed since May 7, 2024, Malaysia has coordinated with Jordan to keep aid flowing through the King Hussein Bridge and agreed to join an air bridge mission to facilitate relief to Gaza.

Further aid has also been channelled through Malaysia’s Amanah Kemanusiaan Rakyat Palestin fund, which has allocated RM45 million toward United Nations agencies, local NGOs and international organisations.

These funds support educational subsidies for Palestinian students in Malaysia and provide direct aid through entities like the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.