PRCS President Dr. Younis Al Khatib and Mr. Dato Haji Abdulaziz Abdulrahim, head of the joint delegation between the Malaysian Red Crescent and Malaysian humanitarian governmental institutions, held a joint press conference on the 16th of August 2010 at PRCS headquarters in Gaza. The conference focused on the health consequences of the Israeli blockade on Gaza as well as on the humanitarian needs of Palestinian institutions.
At the beginning of the conference, Mr. Al Khatib welcomed the Malaysian delegation which comprises 67 doctors, nurses and relief staff. “This visit to Gaza is the fruit of efforts and cooperation between the two sister Societies. It is also the third such visit by the Malaysian Red Crescent to Gaza in the aftermath of the Israeli attack on the Strip in the end of 2008 and the beginning of 2009”, he said.
Al Khatib also valued the continuous support provided by the Malaysian Red Crescent, the Malaysian people and Malaysia’s first lady Mrs. Rosmah Mansor to Palestinians in general, particularly in the health and education fields. “Our brothers in Malaysia have promised more support and assistance to Palestinians, especially to those who suffer in the Gaza Strip”, he added.
The head of the Malaysian delegation, Mr. Abdulrahim, spoke about the solidarity shown by Malaysians towards Palestinians, saying they stand ready to provide additional support to alleviate the suffering of Gaza Strip inhabitants due to the war on Gaza. He lauded the patriotic and humanitarian role played by PRCS to face the health consequences of the Israeli aggression and the sacrifices it has made.
Mr. Abdulrahim, who toured all Gaza Strip Governorates and witnessed the destruction caused by the Israeli war, was briefed on the needs of hospitals and health centers and supervised the distribution of humanitarian aid to those in need. He promised more humanitarian support and assistance, mainly medical devices and medicine. Furthermore, Mr. Abdulrahim said that his government has offered 20 scholarships to Palestinian students at Malaysian universities.
At the end of the press conference, the head of the Malaysian delegation presented a shield to Dr. Al Khatib in recognition of PRCS’s humanitarian efforts, while a symbolic Palestinian heritage gift was offered by Dr. Al Khatib to his guest.
This Malaysian support to Palestinians is the fruit of a visit by Dr. Al Khatib to Malaysia last April, during which he held talks with Malaysian officials, Malaysia’s first lady Mrs. Rosmah Mansor, and the Malaysian Red Crescent Society.
It is to be noted that Mr. Al Khatib visited a number of PRCS branches in the Gaza Strip, getting a first-hand account of their work and the humanitarian services they provide to Palestinians, especially to victims of the Israeli attacks who lost their homes and properties.
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