PETALING JAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has expressed doubt that the recent ceasefire agreement in Gaza will hold based on Israel's record of frequently flouting international law and United Nations (UN) resolutions.
According to Astro Awani, the former prime minister said he was pessimistic about the agreement as Israel has so far shown disrespect for world opinion and failed to comply with previous ceasefire agreements, including with Hezbollah.
"Does anyone believe that a country that violates many UN resolutions and disrespects world opinion will keep its promise this time?" he said on social media.
Dr Mahathir also stressed that Israel was a confrontational country and such an attitude made it difficult to respect any agreement or law.
"Before the ceasefire, they increased their attacks by killing as many Palestinians as possible.
"It has become their habit to continue to commit widespread killings," he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir expressed concern that the joy shown by the people of Gaza over the agreement was premature.
"Forgive me if I am pessimistic.
"But the joy of the people of Gaza is premature and I hope I am wrong," he said.
The recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is expected to pave the way for an end to the 15-month conflict in Gaza, but scepticism about Israel’s commitment remains high among international observers.
On Saturday, the Israeli Cabinet approved an agreement with the Palestinian militant group Hamas to implement a ceasefire and the release of prisoners in the Gaza Strip.
This was announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Saturday, a day before the agreement was scheduled to begin on Sunday.
