PETALING JAYA: Malaysians stand in solidarity with Palestinians in rallies held to call for a halt to the violent attacks by Israel on Gaza and an end to the suffering of the people.
Senior clergyman Rev Dr Hermen Shastri said the World Council of Churches (WCC) also stands in solidarity with the victims of war and the suffering of the people of Palestine.
The WCC, in a statement on Monday, condemned the Israeli airstrikes that exploded at the Orthodox Church compound of Saint Porphyrios in Gaza on Oct 19.
“This attack on a place of refuge is both senseless and heartbreaking,” said WCC general secretary Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay in the statement.
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“We stand with the churches in Jerusalem and many around the world who are calling to protect places of refuge, stop injuring and killing innocent people, and open more humanitarian corridors.”
Pillay also called for respect for international law, including the Geneva Convention, international humanitarian law, and for human rights to be respected and upheld to protect all civilians and for the immediate release of all hostages held in Gaza and of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons.
Malaysian Unity Foundation trustee Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call for all Malaysians to express a strong stance as a united and cohesive force in condemning the atrocities against Palestine was appropriate.
“The Malaysian Unity Foundation is totally against the atrocities committed against the Palestinians, especially the brutality against the children.
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“It is inhumane and a violation of human rights.
“Bombing is going on day and night, it’s a genocide.
“Israel’s defence is that they are taking revenge on Hamas but in the process, they are killing innocent Palestinians,” he said.
Lee added that with all Malaysians united on the issue, it sends a strong message not only to Israelis but also to the whole world.
As the United Nations has been incapable of finding a solution to the longstanding conflict, Lee hopes that other major superpowers of the world will push for an end to the war and for a ceasefire.
Palestinians must also have access to water, food and power, as denying them of these is a violation of human rights, Lee said.
Local social media influencer Ceddy Ang, who has been actively voicing out support for Palestine, said the current conflict is not just about supporting them, but also about championing justice, human rights and peace in the region.
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Despite being questioned for being a non-Muslim supporter, the food vlogger is unfazed by such sentiment.
“As for why a non-Muslim like me cares about the issue, it’s because I do not see the victims’ race or religion, they are human beings to me.
“Every day we are fed with news and videos of the victims and people losing their loved ones and it is so heartbreaking.
“As a Malaysian, I believe it’s vital for all of us to come together and take a stance against any actions that infringe on human rights, no matter where they occur, regardless of the victims’ race or religion,” he said.
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On condemnation against Hamas, Ang said that he does so but stressed that the context of the matter is important.
He pointed out that the actions of Israel towards the Palestinian people have been disproportionately severe, resulting in a significant number of civilian casualties, including children.
“They cut off water and power supply, starve them for days and the attack is still ongoing.
“Thus, comparing Hamas’ defensive actions with Israel’s military operations isn’t fair,” he said.
