SUBANG JAYA: The two aircraft carrying 127 injured Palestinian civilians have landed at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Subang Air Base.
They were transported by two RMAF Airbus A400M airlifters, which flew from the Al Maza Air Base in Egypt, and arrived around 2pm to receive treatment for wounds sustained during Israel's brutal assault on Gaza.
The group, consisting of 41 injured men, women, and children, along with 86 of their relatives, was among the many Palestinian civilians who sought refuge in Egypt following Israel's attack on Palestine, which has so far claimed nearly 40,000 lives.
Of the 41 injured civilians, 20 are men and 21 are women, ranging in age from eight months to 62 years.
Upon arrival, RMAF medical personnel greeted them and conducted examinations at a field hospital set up in the hangar before proceeding with further treatment.
Earlier, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin told the New Straits Times that the mission was undertaken following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement at the Palestine Solidarity Rally on Aug 4 in Kuala Lumpur.
At a press conference, Khaled stated that the majority of the injured Palestinian civilians, who are dealing with trauma and physical injuries, will be diagnosed by army medical personnel before being treated at Tuanku Mizan Military Hospital.
"The patients are currently being assessed to determine their diagnoses before they are transferred to Mizan Hospital.
"They will be transported via 26 ambulances, and three wards have been prepared to accommodate them," he said, adding that the family members of the injured will be placed in a transit location provided by the Malaysian Armed Forces.
Khaled also said that the government has yet to set a time limit for the Palestinians' stay in Malaysia, as their condition is considered 'unique' and may require a longer duration of treatment.
Explaining the decision to treat the injured Palestinians in Malaysia, he said the government opted against setting up a field hospital in Gaza due to the risks posed by the ongoing Israeli attacks.
"We don't see that as a good option, especially since Malaysia has a strong and firm stance on this issue (the Israeli invasion), which poses risks for us. Treating them here is better, as it allows us to provide care in a better environment without any interference," Khaled said.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had previously announced that the government would bring injured Palestinians, particularly women and children, to Malaysia for treatment.
He mentioned being in contact with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to facilitate humanitarian support.
Nearly 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, with many more injured, following Israel's offensive on Gaza in response to a Hamas attack on October 7 last year. Most of those killed are women and children.