15-8-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) In a display of international solidarity, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has launched a humanitarian mission to Egypt, aimed at transporting injured Palestinian civilians to Malaysia for medical treatment. This operation comes in the wake of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in a staggering number of casualties.
Two Airbus A400M military transport aircraft departed from Subang Air Base on Tuesday evening, embarking on a journey that took them through Karachi before touching down at Al Maza Air Base in Egypt. The mission, confirmed by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, is a direct response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s pledge made during the Palestine Solidarity Rally on 4 August.
The A400M Atlas, a state-of-the-art European turboprop aircraft, is uniquely suited for this humanitarian task. Boasting impressive capabilities, including the ability to land on unprepared airstrips and carry substantial payloads, these aircraft can be configured for medical evacuation, accommodating up to 66 stretchers and 25 medical personnel.
While the Defence Minister has promised to disclose details about the treatment locations upon the arrival of the injured Palestinians, the Palestinian ambassador to Malaysia, Walid Abu Ali, indicated that the patients are still undergoing processing in Egypt before their transfer to Malaysia.
This humanitarian effort follows Prime Minister Anwar’s announcement of Malaysia’s commitment to aid injured Palestinians, with a particular focus on women and children. Anwar revealed that he had been in communication with Egyptian President Abdul Fattah to facilitate this support.
The conflict in Gaza, which erupted following a Hamas attack on 7 October last year, has had devastating consequences. Reports suggest that nearly 40,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, with women and children comprising the majority of the casualties. Countless more have been injured in the ongoing hostilities.
