KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 24 — Malaysia has expressed its disappointment over what it perceives as double standards exhibited in addressing the plight of the Palestinians.
Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin said such hypocrisy and double standards, not only undermine the fundamental principles of international law but also contribute to the perpetuation of violence and brutality in Gaza.
“It is completely incomprehensible when one continues to preach for human rights, justice and peace, but yet, turns a blind eye to the ongoing atrocities,” he said when delivering a statement at the High-Level Conference on the Issue of Palestine in Iran’s capital, Tehran, on Sunday. According to a Malaysian Foreign Ministry’s statement, the conference is taking place from Dec 22 to 25.
The conference, held in solidarity with Palestine, aims to discuss challenges and strategies for a long-term solution to the conflict in Gaza, as well as explore effective mechanisms for channelling humanitarian aid to the Palestinians.
Hosted by Iranian President Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, the conference is attended by several member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and non-OIC members.
Mohamad, in unequivocally condemning the ongoing atrocities in the Gaza Strip, said the crimes committed by the Israeli regime “we are witnessing now are the worst culmination of the atrocities and apartheid policy of the regime against the occupied Palestinians”.
“We have been witnessing – on a daily basis – what may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
“As such, we must send a resounding message of solidarity to the victims of Israel’s atrocities that humanity will prevail, and justice will be pursued,” he said.
On this note, Mohamad said Malaysia welcomed the recent adoption of the resolution on “Scaling Up and Monitoring Aid to Gaza” by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Dec 22.
“The resolution, seen as a glimmer of hope, unites the international community in a commitment to end the senseless bloodshed and it stands on the side of humanity.”
However, Malaysia stressed that the international community, especially the UNSC, cannot afford to fail the Palestinians once again.
“Malaysia remains steadfast in pursuing key objectives, including an immediate ceasefire, increased humanitarian assistance to Gaza, halting Israeli settlement activities, investigating breaches of international law, supporting the two-state solution, and combating Islamophobia,” he added.
Malaysia stressed the urgency for the international community to collectively address the humanitarian crisis, emphasising that attacks on civilians in Gaza constitute war crimes, and Israel must be held accountable for its actions and occupation of Palestinian territories.
“Malaysia remains resolute in its unequivocal conviction that justice must prevail for the Palestinian people,” he said.
He also said that in ensuring Palestinians’ right to education, US$3.87 million has been approved under the Akaun Amanah Kemanusiaan Rakyat Palestin to bear the education fees and monthly financial assistance to Palestinian students in Malaysia for a period of one year.
The Malaysian government, meanwhile, will absorb other related university fees amounting to US$1.13 million.
In the latest development, the Palestinian death toll from the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip since Oct 7 has risen to 20,258, with 53,688 injured, the Health Ministry in the blockaded enclave said on Saturday.
