At the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan delivered a powerful rebuke of Israel's intensified military campaign in Gaza, labeling recent actions as "atrocities" that reveal a disturbing indifference and double standard toward Palestinian suffering.
Speaking to his counterparts from the 10-member bloc, Mohamad highlighted how the "erosion of the sanctity of international law" has fueled the crisis, with Israel only partially lifting a total blockade imposed on March 2. He warned that ASEAN "cannot remain silent" in the face of what he described as ongoing violations against civilians.
Malaysia, which holds the rotating ASEAN chair this year, has channeled over $10 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza since the conflict erupted in October 2023, reflecting strong public support for the Palestinian cause in the Muslim-majority nation. In February, ASEAN foreign ministers reaffirmed their longstanding support for Palestinian rights, yet Mohamad's remarks signal a push for more decisive action.
As the summit unfolds, Mohamad's call for solidarity resonates with young global citizens and changemakers who demand accountability and humanitarian access in the region. The question now is whether ASEAN will transform these words into concrete measures to alleviate the crisis and uphold international law.
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Malaysia slams Israel's Gaza 'atrocities' ahead of ASEAN summit
cgtn.com
