KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during a joint news conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin yesterday, condemned Western countries for their perceived indifference towards Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Anwar questioned the “hypocrisy” in their approach and urged an end to the “selective” and “ambivalent” stance, TRT World reported.
Responding to a query about his stance on a cross-border attack by Palestinian resistance group Hamas on October 7 and whether he supported an Israeli invasion to free hostages, Anwar rejected the narrative that the entire problem began on October 7.
He asserted that the conflict has roots dating back four decades and continues daily, blaming Israel’s policies against Palestinians for the ongoing strife.
Anwar clarified Malaysia’s engagement with the political wing of Hamas, expressing concerns about the situation of hostages. While emphasising a lack of relations with the military wing of Hamas, he highlighted common ground with Chancellor Scholz on the urgent need for a Gaza ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians.
Despite differences on the Middle East conflict, Anwar and Scholz agreed on the necessity of a two-state solution for lasting peace, along with a concerted effort to ensure economic development and progress for the people in the region.
The two leaders called for a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, as well as the release of hostages and immediate humanitarian assistance to Palestinians.
In making the call, Anwar and Scholz said the international community must also strive for a two-state solution to solve the decades of conflict in the Middle East.
“Sometimes we have some differences – but I think there are issues like Gaza where we do agree on an immediate ceasefire and call for humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine,” he said.
Earlier, Anwar who is here on a six-day visit to Germany, held a bilateral meeting with Scholz to discuss the aggression on Gaza and a two-state solution to end the decades of suffering of the Palestinian people, among other topics.
Anwar said Malaysia acknowledged the concern of what happened on October 7, 2023, when the conflict started between Hamas and Israel – but also appealed to the Europeans and Germany in particular to take note of the decades of atrocities, plunder and dispossession of Palestinians.
Speaking on the same matter, Scholz said that Germany – known as an ally of Israel — agreed with Malaysia that a long-lasting ceasefire was needed to find a peaceful solution to the Gaza crisis.
The chancellor said they were working closely with the United States and Arab countries to prevent the escalation of war and find a solution to the crisis.
“I wish we can find a lasting ceasefire during this Ramadan month, the release of hostages by Hamas. This can lead to more aid entering Gaza,” said Scholz.
The German leader added that he was glad that Anwar chose to visit Germany on the first day of Ramadan and had iftar with the Malaysian delegation.
Asked whether yesterday’s meeting could influence the push for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, Anwar said both countries could play their part in finding the solution.
“Well, Germany has established good relations with Israel. And we have slightly better relations with Palestine. The only solution for now is a permanent ceasefire and, ultimately, a two-state solution. And this can be done if the international community has the courage and the commitment,” said the prime minister.
On Malaysia’s relationship with Hamas, Anwar said the country’s foreign policy had been consistent over the years, citing its stand against apartheid and ethnic cleansing.
He said Malaysia had ties with the political wing of Hamas, stressing that the country had no relationships with any militant outfit. Anwar also said atrocities that happened for decades could not be erased by looking at one side alone.
“The solution…is not just releasing hostages.
“I did express my concern that those (hostages) must be released.
“But then can you say is that all? Full stop? Period? What about the settlements?” he said. – March 12, 2024