500 runners participated in the Marathon of Freedom, organized by the Higher Council for Youth and Sports and Palestinian Athletics Federation in Gaza, with sponsorship by the Malaysian Cultural Centre on the occasion of the 65ths anniversary of Independence of Malaysia. 

The participants went across 5 km, supervised by the Palestinian police forces and the Ministry of Health, until they reached the stage of the coronation ceremony to award the winners.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Higher Council for Youth and Sports, the Palestinian Athletics Federation, Muhammed Nadir Al-Nuri Kamaruzaman, CEO of Cinta Gaza Malaysia, local institutions, families and sport personnel.

Jaber Ayyash, Officer-in-charge of the Higher Council, said that the marathon is a part of Palestine's celebrations of Malaysia's Independence, hoping that this marathon well be celebrated next year in Occupied Al-Quds.

Ayyash appreciated Malaysia's role in serving the Palestinian cause, congratulated the Malaysian people, and thanked CGM for its support for the Palestinians.

Abdelsalam Haniyeh, General Secretary of the Higher Council, said that our duty towards Malaysia and its people is to stand by them in such events.

"This marathon carries the name of "freedom" to symbolize the prisoners in the occupation prisons and their just cause," he added and called for supporting them in all international forums. Haniyeh considered this marathon as the hugest of its kind, and appreciated the role of the Palestinian Athletics Federation, the Ministry of Health, and police officers for supervising this achievement, looking forward to having this marathon every year.

Muhammed Nadir Al-Nuri Kamaruzaman, CEO of CGM, said that sports in Palestine is important to alleviate stress and sadness in the area. He added that CGM always seeks to support sport activities, stressing the such initiatives will continue so the Palestinian people love the life. He also expressed his intentions to bring Malaysian football clubs to meet Palestinian athletics in Gaza.