KUALA LUMPUR: Aman Palestin-funded Malaysia tahfiz school was attacked and bombed last night, injuring more than 20 Palestinians who had taken refuge inside.
This was confirmed by Aman Palestin's CEO, Ustaz Awang Suffian today to the New Straits Times.
Ustaz Awang said the school, which is situated in the Nusairat Camp in Gaza, served as an educational institution for children there before the onset of the Al-Aqsa Storm.
Following the Israeli onslaught, the school was transformed into a safe haven, sheltering and protecting about 4,000 Gaza residents. They sought refuge there due to the Israeli occupying troops' continuous attacks.
"Last night's incident involved the incursion of the outer area of the school by the occupying forces, leading to a confrontation with the Palestinian liberation forces, who resisted the incursion.
"The occupying forces opened indiscriminate fire, hitting the people from Gaza seeking refuge in the Malaysian school.
"As a result, more than 20 people were injured due to the shots fired by the Israeli occupiers. The injured victims were taken to the nearby hospital, Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, in Dir Balah," he added.
Nevertheless, despite the circumstances, he expressed his gratitude that the school sustained minimal damage and remains in good condition.
Ustaz Awang then affirmed that the individuals seeking shelter in the Malaysian school would continue to reside there.
It was previously reported on Oct 23 that about 2,000 Gaza residents took refuge in a school built with aid from Malaysians after their homes were destroyed by the Israeli regime.
Aman Palestin Berhad general manager (marketing) Muhd Farhan Muhd Fadhil said the Malaysia Quran School started operations in 2018 and is located in Khan Yunis in southern Gaza.
"Since the warning by the Israeli military for Gaza residents in the north, including Gaza City, to move to southern areas for their safety, many of them have fled to the south.
"One of the places they sought shelter is schools, including the one funded by contributions from the Malaysian people. This situation may continue for an extended period," he told Bernama when contacted.
The establishment of the Malaysia Quran School in Gaza has been entirely funded by Aman Palestin and executed in collaboration with Dar Al-Quran Al Karem Wa Sunnah.
The initiative, which involved an overall expenditure of USD$1.2 million, boasts 23 classrooms, a computer laboratory, a science laboratory, a meeting room, a library, dedicated spaces for the arts, as well as administrative areas.
With a capacity to accommodate 700 students, it commenced its academic session in 2018, initially enrolling 60 students at the time.