JOHOR BAHRU, The Permaisuri of Johor Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah expressed sadness over the fate of Palestinians amid on-going conflict in the Gaza Strip, during a meet-and-greet session with Palestinian students at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Saturday.
According to a post via the official Royal Johor Facebook account, Raja Zarith Sofiah who is also the Chancellor of UTM spent some time with Palestinian students at the university.
Also present was the wife of Tunku Mahkota of Johor, Che Puan Besar Khaleeda Bustaman who is also the Pro-Chancellor of UTM.
During the dialogue session, Her Majesty said she has been following the latest news and developments in Gaza.
"Since October 8, I have been getting news from social media about the current situation in Palestine and I feel very sad with what is happening now.
“During the session today, the students shared their experience while in Palestine and how the rest of the world could help," said the Johor Permaisuri.
Some of the students also shared that currently apart from thousands of people injured in Gaza, they are also grappling with shortages of food and water.
In addition, they also expressed concern over the fate of their families as many are now left without electricity and internet access.
A total of 31 students from Palestine are currently pursuing their studies at UTM at the bachelor, master's and doctoral levels.
Meanwhile UTM vice-chancellor Prof. Datuk Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail who was also at the event, said the session was a relief to the students, who were assured that UTM will always be with them.
The recent clashes in Palestine involving Hamas, the ruling authority in Gaza, and the Israeli regime have resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives on both sides since Oct 7.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency