KUALA LUMPUR – Opposition party PAS has called on its members and supporters to take to the streets to show their solidarity with the Palestinian people on Friday.
In a letter addressed to, among others, PAS state liaison bodies and party secretaries throughout the nation, party secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan instructed the mobilisation of all party forces.
“As a statement of PAS’ solidarity and stance towards the Palestinians’ holy fight in defending the Al-Aqsa Mosque… all party members, supporters and Muslims in particular are directed to show unity of mind and action by attending a peaceful solidarity gathering,” said the letter.
Adding that the gathering will be held after Friday prayers on October 13 at mosques across the country, Takiyuddin urged recipients of the letter to arrange attendees for the gathering.
Budget 2024 is also scheduled to be tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also finance minister, in the Dewan Rakyat on the same day at 4pm.
In a statement last weekend, Hadi had urged Muslims to engage in solat hajat and recite prayers for Muslims in Gaza while also suggesting that they convene for a solidarity gathering as a “strong protest” against Israel’s oppressive actions.
Yesterday, Malaysia urged the UN Security Council to convene an emergency session to de-escalate the ongoing clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian fighters in and around the Gaza strip.
The Foreign Ministry said loss of life, suffering and destruction should stop during such a critical time, while parties there must also exercise utmost restraint and de-escalate the conflict.
Anwar had also reiterated Malaysia’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people, calling on the international community to cease all one-sided actions perpetuating cruelty and oppression against the Palestinians.
The surge in violence followed a surprise attack by Hamas on Saturday, involving dozens of fighters infiltrating an Israeli city near the coastal enclave amid intense rocket fire. The aim of its Operation Al-Aqsa Flood is to put an end to Israeli “violations”.
In turn, the Israeli army initiated Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said we are “at war”.
Israel’s Health Ministry reported that the attack resulted in the deaths of at least 300 Israelis and left more than 1,500 injured.
Meanwhile, Palestine’s Health Ministry said the death toll from the Israeli bombings in the Gaza Strip has risen to 413, including 78 children and 41 women. – October 9, 2023