Seeking safety: Palestinians carry their belongings as they walk on a debris-strewn street in the aftermath of Israeli strikes in Gaza. — Reuters
KUALA LUMPUR: The international community and world powers must take up the responsibility to immediately halt the fighting in Palestine, says Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
This measure is necessary to ensure peace and stability and to prevent further bloodshed in that country, said His Majesty in a message conveyed in a statement by Comptroller of the Royal Household of Istana Negara, Mejar-Jen Datuk Zahari Mohd Ariffin.
“His Majesty has expressed sorrow and concern over the latest conflict in Palestine that has claimed hundreds of lives on both sides,” Zahari said yesterday, with reference to the fighting between the Israeli regime and Hamas, which is in power in Gaza.
He said Sultan Abdullah also expressed support for the Malaysian government’s call for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to take immediate action to stop all acts of violence, while also respecting and protecting the lives of civilians.“His Majesty has called on Islamic countries and, in particular, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to work together to address the suffering and challenges faced by Palestine,” he said, Bernama reported.Sultan Abdullah said the denial of the basic rights of the Palestinian people, especially the establishment of an independent and sovereign state, as well as the ongoing oppression were the root causes of the continued Israel-Palestine tensions, he added.
Besides, the Palestinian people have long been under the shadow of illegal occupation, restrictions and suffering, and the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, he said.
Zahari said His Majesty emphasised that Malaysia and its people always stand in solidarity with Palestine and urged all citizens to continue to uphold the principles of justice and respect, and oppose any form of violence and oppression against fellow humans.
Meanwhile, in Parliament yesterday, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged the UNSC to immediately call on all parties to cease all acts of violence and clashes in the Gaza Strip.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the ongoing 75-year conflict has claimed too many lives, caused injuries to thousands of others and destroyed public and private properties.
“The international community should also increase pressure on all parties to take immediate action to stop the war for regional security and stability,” he said during a briefing on the Current Developments in the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict.
Ahmad Zahid said the Palestinians should be granted their absolute right to freedom from illegal Israeli occupation, the right to reclaim land seized by Israel and the right to establish an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He said Malaysia remains open and will continue to support all concrete and realistic efforts to find a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on international law provisions and UNSC resolutions.
Ahmad Zahid said the government’s foreign policy and stance in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict have been clear and unwavering, with the struggle to liberate the land and rights of the Palestinian people remaining one of Malaysia’s top foreign policy priorities.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York last month, also emphasised Malaysia’s stance on the Palestinian issue, he said.
Ahmad Zahid, however, said the international community, especially Western powers, has somehow been seen as being indifferent and turning a blind eye to the atrocities committed by the Israeli regime against the Palestinian people without taking punitive action.
Ahmad Zahid pointed out that this selective approach had raised questions about the fairness in the enforcement of international principles and laws.
