When prime minister Anwar Ibrahim promised to keep connections with Hamas even if his administration faced criticism from the outside world, malaysia unintentionally entered the volatile politics of the Israel-Hamas conflict. One of the most outspoken leaders when it comes to openly criticizing israel, Anwar refers to its military actions in Gaza as the "height of barbarism." Although political analysts claim that by pandering to the Muslim majority, he has gained popularity at home, it puts malaysia in conflict with the US, its third-largest trading partner. This is a more detailed look into the background of Malaysia's position.

Is Malaysia’s government pro-Hamas?
The administration retains connections and reserves the right to interact with Hamas, which the US and the EU have designated as a terrorist organization, in an effort to resolve the ongoing conflict with israel, even if it hasn't publicly declared that it supports the group. On october 7, Hamas assaulted israel, resulting in the deaths of almost 1,400 people, including troops and civilians.

Palestinians in Gaza "have been incarcerated in the largest open-air prison in the world for the last six decades," Anwar told parliament in October. Anwar stated that while there haven't been any elections in the enclave since 2006, the country in Southeast Asia believes that Hamas is the lawfully elected leader of Gaza.

Malaysia has consistently supported the two-state solution, which envisions Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in the Holy Land as sovereign states. Anwar spoke out against global injustice in his first speech to the UN General assembly in September. He denounced "atrocities" against Palestinians and the "stripping" of their land, actions he claimed made peace negotiations more difficult. With a track record of carrying out suicide bombs, Hamas has stuck to its declared goal of overthrowing the state of israel, while other Palestinian leaders have pushed for amicable coexistence.

How does malaysia support the Palestinians?
Following the incident on october 7, israel retaliated in the Gaza Strip with airstrikes and military maneuvers that it claims are intended to destroy Hamas. At least 10,000 Palestinians have died, the health ministry administered by Hamas said. Political figures from malaysia have supported the Palestinian cause in parliament and participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. In the schools and institutions it administers, Malaysia's education ministry arranged a palestine Solidarity Week program.

A Humanitarian Trust Fund for the people of palestine is overseen by the Malaysian government; as of october 19, it possessed around 81 million ringgit ($17 million), with the aim of reaching 100 million ringgit. According to Anwar, it's designated for food, medicine, and other basics for Gaza residents as well as any other Palestinians impacted by the conflict.
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SIBY JEYYA

11/11/2023 07:06 AM