Injured Palestinians thank M’sians for help, support

“Thank you Malaysians for the help and support given to the Palestinian people,” said Banan Salmi Ahmad Abu Ratimah, 28, when met at Tuanku Mizan Armed Forces Hospital Kuala Lumpur.

The woman from Rafah, Gaza, was one of 41 Palestinians accompanied by 86 relatives who were brought to Malaysia on Aug 16 to receive follow-up treatment for injuries sustained as a result of the Zionist regime’s attack on the Gaza Strip.

Banan Salmi, a lawyer in Gaza, suffered severe injuries to her left leg, which had to be amputated up to the knee level, apart from injuries to her hands, following a rocket attack on her father’s residence last Oct 7.

“In that incident, my mother and I were sleeping at my uncle’s house. At dawn, our home was suddenly bombed by the Zionist regime and my mother and uncle were martyred. I miss Gaza very much because my father and brother are still there.

“Thank you, Malaysia for the help given. The treatment we received here was very good and fast. I hope to be able to get a prosthetic leg so that I can walk as usual,” said Banan, who is currently receiving follow-up treatment at the hospital, accompanied by her eldest sister and youngest brother.

On Aug 16, 41 Palestinians who were injured as a result of Israel’s attack on Gaza, accompanied by 86 relatives, arrived at Subang Air Force Base on board two Royal Malaysian Air Force A-400M aircraft for treatment.

Worry over family’s safety

Earlier, Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan was reported to have said that the Palestinians who are being treated in Malaysia will only be sent back to their country when the situation improves or at least a ceasefire is agreed upon by all parties.

Separately, Mohamed Sufyan Hassan, 29, who suffered jaw and lung injuries as a result of an explosion at a school that killed 70 people including his grandfather, expressed concern for the safety of his family members in Gaza.

Sufyan, who is a lorry driver in Gaza, said since arriving in Malaysia, he still could not contact his wife and four sons, namely Malik who is six years old, Mazin (five), Sufyan (three) and Abd Rahman (nine months) due to poor internet access in Gaza.

“I can't describe this feeling… if I could meet those who are there. I miss them so much but I can only surrender to God. I hope to be able to bring them here to receive treatment,” said Sufyan who is accompanied by his mother.

Rania Abdel Fattah, 34, who was treated for severe injuries to her face, including a broken arm and right leg after being hit by bomb fragments, said she was very grateful to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the people of Malaysia for providing hospitality and good treatment to the Palestinians.

Recounting the dark incident when her home was shelled on the 13th day of Ramadan, she said the tragedy had cost the lives of three family members, destroyed their home and injured her husband including her three-year-old son.

“I hope Anwar can help bring my husband and son who are still in Gaza to receive treatment in Malaysia. My son in Gaza suffered a severe injury to his face but did not have the opportunity to undergo treatment here,” she said.

The meeting with the Palestinians was assisted by Arabic translator Husna Mardiah Mohamed Radzi, Lukman Hakim Abdul Wahab of the Malaysian Armed Forces and Malaysian Army Special Warfare Training Centre religious officer Ahmad Masykur Salahuddin.

- Bernama

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