Kuala lumpur: Malaysia has strongly criticized Israel’s plans to take control of Gaza, labeling it as modern-day colonization and an affront to diplomatic efforts globally.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan expressed that the proposed Israeli military takeover of Gaza represents a significant escalation of Israel’s longstanding ambition to permanently occupy Palestinian territories. During his address at the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, he described the plans as an outrage and an insult to diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict.
Mohamad Hasan highlighted that despite sincere mediation attempts by various parties, Israel has consistently ignored calls for peace, ceasefire, and the protection of civilians. The country has also obstructed safe evacuations and humanitarian aid, he noted. The Minister condemned the actions of Israel, stating that they have targeted housing areas, schools, hospitals, and even evacuation zones, while attacking those delivering humanitarian aid and cutting off essential supplies to Gaza.
He pointed out that the United Nations (UN) has officially declared a famine in Gaza, with the region suffering from acute malnutrition, lack of food access, and a rising death toll. Malaysia, along with other international community members, has provided assistance through UNRWA and other channels to alleviate Palestinian suffering, but such efforts have been consistently thwarted by Israeli actions.
Mohamad Hasan warned that the atrocities committed by Israeli occupying forces over the past two years are merely the beginning, emphasizing that Israel’s longstanding policy of expansion and settlement building continues to threaten peace in the region. He urged members of the ummah to continue advocating for the rights of Palestinians and working towards the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The minister concluded by reinforcing the need for continued efforts to achieve peace and justice in Palestine, emphasizing the high human cost of the ongoing conflict, which has resulted in the deaths of over 62,000 Palestinians since October 2023.