He said Palestinians were Muslim brothers who deserve to be helped in time of need.

“They are Muslims, and we Muslims are brothers. So when they face problems, we need to help them as best we can,” he said when met at the “Bicara Merdeka – Masa Depan Islam dan Melayu” programme organised by Yayasan Permata Ummah here today.

Asked whether the government should bring more Palestinians over for treatment, Mahathir said the government could help based on its capabilities.

“We can’t afford that much. We can bring those who are badly (hurt) here for treatment,” he said.

Forty-one injured Palestinians, accompanied by 86 next of kin, were flown in on two A-400M Royal Malaysian Air Force aircraft on Aug 16.

Foreign minister Mohamad Hasan said the Palestinians who are being treated will only be repatriated to their country after conditions improved or at least after a ceasefire has been achieved.