[UPDATED] Five Malaysians in West Bank safe: Wisma Putra

KUALA LUMPUR – Five Malaysians, including an adult woman and a mother with three children, in the West Bank are safe amid the escalating security situation between Israel and Palestine, said the Foreign Ministry.

The ministry said its embassy in Amman, Jordan, is in constant contact with them.

Those planning to travel to conflict areas have been advised to postpone their plans while non-governmental organisations are advised to first refer their plans to the ministry, said Wisma Putra in a statement.

Meanwhile, any individuals or Malaysian citizens who have information about the whereabouts of relatives or acquaintances still in the conflict areas should contact the ministry to provide assistance if needed.

Wisma Putra reiterated Malaysia’s condemnation of “Israel’s excessive and indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas, as well as the regime’s actions to block basic supplies of water, electricity, and food.”

“Malaysia is also concerned about the failure of the UNSC to reach an agreement on this matter,” it said.

Taking into account the critical situation at present, it said the international community should immediately channel humanitarian assistance such as basic supplies and medicine while emphasising that the Israeli regime has no right to block humanitarian aid channels.

As an initial step, Wisma Putra is in the process of immediately channelling RM1 million for early humanitarian contributions through the People’s Humanitarian Trust Account for Palestine, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on Monday.

The public, agencies, and organisations wishing to contribute through the account can do so here. – October 11, 2023