Malaysia Condemns Gaza Aid Deaths, Killing Of Journalists

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 (Bernama) -- Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has expressed outrage over the militarisation of humanitarian aid in Gaza, condemning it as clear acts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. 

“We are appalled by the militarisation of humanitarian aid through the operation on the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

“More than 1700 civilians have been killed while trying to access food aid at the distribution hubs operated by the GHF, since it started operation in May this year. This must stop,” he said in a statement on Monday.

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Mohamad was in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to attend the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The Foreign Minister added that Israel’s weaponisation of humanitarian aid and the imposition of collective punishment upon Palestinians are clear acts of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

“In fact, it has become increasingly evident that there is an ongoing genocide perpetrated by Israel in Gaza.

“Israel must be made accountable for all its war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide against the Palestinian people,” he said.

Mohamad said the international community must compel Israel to allow the immediate and unimpeded delivery of aid, led by the United Nations (UN), and ensure the safety of humanitarian workers.

“We must exert utmost pressure to compel Israel to allow immediate and unimpeded flow of humanitarian supplies into and throughout Gaza, led by the UN. Israel must fully cooperate with the UN and protect all UN staff and humanitarian workers operating in Gaza.

“In this connection, Malaysia views that UNRWA’s role is indispensable and irreplaceable. Malaysia will continue to support UNRWA, financially and politically, in providing essential services to Palestinians,” he said.

He also raised concerns over the killing of journalists in Gaza.

“We also condemn the targeting of journalists and media personnel by Israeli forces in Gaza, which is a war crime. So far, about 238 journalists have been killed, making Gaza the deadliest war ever for journalists.

“Press freedom must be upheld and protected. Israel must allow independent and international media to report from Gaza and provide them with adequate protection,” he said.

The OIC meeting, held in response to the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza was aimed to coordinate member states' positions and responses to the crisis.

The organisation represents 57 Muslim-majority nations.

-- BERNAMA