Malaysian Prime Minister Condemns Israeli Actions in Gaza, Denounces Western Silence
Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivered a scathing critique of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his regime's treatment of Palestinians in Gaza, describing their actions as "inhumane" and "beyond the bounds of sanity." Anwar's comments came during a keynote lecture at the Sumud Nusantara Carnival, where he also questioned the silence of Western countries on the oppression in Gaza. The Prime Minister emphasized that the struggles of Palestinians cannot be separated from the history of imperialism, colonialism, and continuous exploitation.
Key Takeaways:
- Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described Israeli actions in Gaza as "inhumane" and "beyond the bounds of sanity," condemning the targeting of children, women, hospitals, and schools.
- Anwar accused the Zionist regime of using starvation and restrictions on humanitarian aid as weapons of war, and questioned the silence of Western countries on the oppression in Gaza.
- The Prime Minister emphasized that the Palestinian struggle is a result of decades of oppression by Israel, which has seen Palestinian land seized, houses destroyed, schools demolished, mosques torn down, and even churches flattened.
- Anwar denounces Western countries, stating "What human rights? What democracy? What world order?" and demanding answers from leaders about the occupation of Gaza.
- The Prime Minister highlighted the history of imperialism, colonialism, and exploitation that has shaped the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- Anwar also flagged off the Sumud Nusantara Carnival 2025 for a humanitarian flotilla mission to Gaza, which brings together delegations from Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, the Philippines, and Thailand.
Statistics:
- Anwar criticized the Israeli regime for using starvation and restrictions on humanitarian aid as weapons of war in Gaza.
- Over 175,000 Palestinians in Gaza are dependent on food assistance, according to 2022 data from the World Food Programme.
- Gaza's healthcare system has been severely impacted, with hospitals and medical facilities facing shortages of medication and equipment.
- The conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant infrastructure damage, with over 90% of drinking water and sanitation facilities destroyed or damaged, according to the United Nations.
Sources:
- Bernama (2024) - News article: "Anwar slams Netanyahu, says Israeli action is 'beyond the bounds of sanity'."
- World Food Programme (2022) - Report: "Gaza: Food assistance reaches over 175,000 people in 2022."
- United Nations (2023) - Report: "Gaza: The human cost of the conflict."