KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 — Malaysia will build a school, hospital and mosque to assist Palestine with the reconstruction of Gaza, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the reconstruction would be carried out in collaboration with the private sector and the public.
“This is a part of our efforts, the sacrifices of the communities and the people. May God protect us and guarantee the safety of Gaza and Palestine,” he said via a video today.
Anwar said the reconstruction of Gaza would involve joint efforts by the Japanese and Malaysian governments, which intend to establish and launch funds through the East Asia programme.
On January 18, Anwar reportedly said the reconstruction of Gaza, which has been almost entirely destroyed due to Israeli attacks since October 2023, is estimated to cost over US$1 trillion (RM4.4 trillion).
He said such a substantial amount is required because key facilities such as mosques, schools, hospitals and homes have been demolished.
Anwar also said that Japan had invited Malaysia to co-chair the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development, focusing on Gaza’s reconstruction.
Meanwhile, Anwar posted on Facebook that the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza, following the atrocities that claimed more than 46,000 lives and left over two million Palestinians homeless, should be welcomed with plans for Gaza’s recovery.
“Let us offer prayers and hope that God continues to provide protection for Gaza and Palestine as well as bless every effort and sacrifice we make in giving them new hope, God willing,” he said.
Previously, Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Abdulrahman Jassim Al Thani announced that mediation efforts involving Qatar, Egypt and the United States successfully led to a ceasefire in Gaza, as well as a prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel.
The agreement came into effect January 19.
— Bernama
