Malaysia Launches Controversial School Program to Support Palestinians Amid Backlash Over Toy Gun Images

"Palestine Solidarity Week" aims to teach humanitarian values, but social media images of children with toy guns stoke controversy; Prime Minister says participation is not mandatory and regulations will be tightened.

The Malaysian government has launched 'Palestine Solidarity Week', a weeklong program in schools intended to teach humanitarian values and support the Palestinian cause.
Critics, including lawyer and activist Siti Kasim, have condemned the program after images of students and teachers holding toy guns, and students using a Palestinian keffiyeh scarf to mimic militants, were shared on social media.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who has refused to cut ties with Hamas despite Western pressure, responded to the criticism saying the government would not force any schools to participate and would implement controls to prevent issues.
Activities planned for the week include video shows, a donation drive for Palestinians, and poster and song competitions, but only Muslim students will partake in religious activities.
The Education Ministry stated the program is aimed to educate students on issues of international conflicts and humanitarian crises, emphasizing it includes no aggressive or extreme elements.