Thousands of Malaysians led by prime minister Anwar Ibrahim packed Kuala Lumpur’s Merdeka Square to express solidarity with the people of Gaza, Anadolu Agency reports, citing Malaysian state news agency Bernama.

Wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh scarf, Anwar, in his address, announced an additional RM100 million ($23.6m) to assist the people of Palestine.

“This is just the beginning,“ Anwar said, urging major corporations to step forward with aid for the Palestinians.

He urged Muslims and the international community to maintain existing pressure on Israel to end its atrocities against Palestinians.

“We must continue to take steps forward. Do not feel burdened to move ahead. Yes, it is exhausting, sometimes disappointing, sometimes it feels hopeless … believe in Allah’s help,” he said.