KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on Israel to immediately have a ceasefire with Palestinian military organisation Hamas and genuinely pursue a peaceful resolution.
He also urged Israel to abandon its adherence to the politics of dispossession as the conflict in the Middle East is escalating and the death toll is rising, especially in the Gaza Strip.
“I had a phone conversation with Hamas Head of Political Bureau Ismail Haniyeh yesterday to express Malaysia’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people.
“Given the dire situation in Gaza, I strongly advocate for the immediate cessation of bombardment and the establishment of a humanitarian corridor in Rafah,” Anwar posted on his Facebook page today.
He reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to delivering humanitarian aid, particularly in the form of food and medicine, to alleviate the suffering of those in need.
“It is crucial and paramount to prioritise the well-being and safety of all individuals affected by this crisis.”
Yesterday, Anwar told the Dewan Rakyat that Malaysia does not agree with Western pressure to condemn Hamas, even though Western and European countries have repeatedly asked Malaysia to do so during meetings.
“I said that we, as a policy, have had a relationship with Hamas since before, and this will continue. As such, we don’t agree with them pressuring us, as Hamas also won in Gaza through elections.”
Hamas recently launched a surprise attack involving dozens of fighters and killing some 1,300 people, with the objective of ending Israeli “violations”.
In response, the Israeli army initiated Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, leading Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare that “we are at war”.
Israel’s military also vowed to expand its war on Gaza with “coordinated attacks from the air, sea, and land”.
Gaza has already been under intense bombardment by Israel, with at least 2,800 Palestinians dead and 10,850 wounded. Israel also reported a death toll of 1,300, with more than 3,400 wounded since the Hamas attack. – October 17, 2023