Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has appealed to the US to pressure Israel to halt its attacks on Gaza and ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need.
“I appeal to US President Donald Trump to use his influence to press for an immediate end to the killing, stop the indiscriminate bombings, and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need without obstruction,” he said in a video posted on social media today.
Describing the situation in Gaza as a test of humanity, Anwar said entire families had been killed, and children, including babies, were among the dead.
“Others are wasting away from hunger. This appalling disregard for human life and dignity must end, for it is a violation of the most basic moral code.”
He urged world leaders to act with urgency.
“Every government that believes in international law, every nation that claims to value human life, must speak with one voice.”
Anwar said those who had influence over Israel must find the courage to act decisively.
“This is the hour for moral leadership. This is the time to uphold the values we claim to defend.”
He said Malaysia stood ready to work with all countries to bring relief to Gaza and restore basic principles of humanity.
“Let us not be remembered as those who stood by. Let us be guided by our conscience, to answer suffering with compassion, and to pursue peace for the sake of our humanity.”
More than 1,000 people have been reported killed while trying to receive food aid since the end of May, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.
The UN said on July 15 it had recorded at least 875 killings within the past six weeks at aid points in Gaza run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and convoys run by other relief groups.
The majority of those killed were in the vicinity of GHF sites, while the remaining 201 were killed on the routes of other aid convoys.
Earlier today, Anwar told the Dewan Rakyat that Malaysia would not compromise its stance on Gaza in exchange for a better US tariff rate.
He said Malaysia’s position remained unchanged and that the government would continue to speak out on such issues.
