PORT DICKSON: The Armed Forces are leaving it to the relevant authorities to take further action over the incident at Wisma Transit Kuala Lumpur, where two Palestinians allegedly caused a ruckus after being prevented from leaving the centre.
Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman said the Palestinians could be distressed and called for Malaysians to be empathetic towards them.
"We understand the issues faced by Palestinians receiving treatment here, and the majority of them have recovered, except for four individuals who are still undergoing treatment.
"It is our responsibility to look after them, and naturally, they need to be monitored to ensure their safety while they are in our country.
"They might be under stress, and their movement is controlled to prevent undesirable incidents. Surely, some of them may feel dissatisfied, but such control measures are necessary," he said after attending the 91st Malaysian Armed Forces Day celebration here earlier today.
He added that the armed forces understood the emotions of these individuals, who were far from their homeland which was under attack by Israeli forces.
"They are under stress, and we must empathise with their feelings, but the most important factor is safety. We cannot allow them to go out freely, and their movements are always monitored for their safety.
"It's not that they are completely confined. We do take them out, but under the supervision of our teams, as their safety is of utmost importance, even though some may be unhappy and cause tension," he said.
Regarding the MALBATT-11 mission in Lebanon, Mohammad said all units under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), including MALBATT 850-11, which operated in Southern Lebanon, had been instructed not to carry out patrols or logistic movements, and to remain stationed at their respective posts.
"Taking into account the safety of the personnel, UNIFIL headquarters has also activated bunker protection procedures, following established protocols, until the situation is under control.
"Any plans to withdraw MALBATT 850-11 officers and personnel back to Malaysia are subject to UNIFIL's approval, based on the level of safety and threat within the operational area," he said.
Mohammad said the armed forces would continue to monitor the situation in southern Lebanon and provide updates on any developments involving the MALBATT 850-11 team.
Since Sept 23, Israel had launched unprecedented intense airstrikes on Hizbollah targets in Lebanon, causing international concern of a wider war in the Middle East.