KUALA LUMPUR – The attack on a hospital in Gaza which resulted in the loss of 500 lives, yesterday, has been described as “madness” and “inhumane”, according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He also expressed his disappointment with the Western powers that often champion human rights causes but often take delayed measures to end the Israel-Palestine conflict.
“The latest developments on Israel’s attacks are extreme. I have already repeated several statements and support certain foreign leadership that have expressed regret and condemnation of the bombing of a Gazan hospital.
“Whatever accusations that are being hurled, is an effect from the attacks and war – which is why we are calling for a ceasefire. This is time to de-escalate and stop.
“If continued, the victims are women, children and patients
“This is to the point of madness and loss in humanity. Regrettably, the western countries that preach human rights seem to have a category, there are first-class humans [and] slave-class humans – to which we condemn strongly,” he said.
His comments came when he officiated a symposium in Putrajaya, here, today.
Yesterday, both warring sides – the Israel and Gaza authorities – have blamed each other, with the latter claiming an Israeli air strike on a hospital in the Palestinian enclave yesterday killed about 500 people.
According to Reuters, Israel, on the other hand, claimed that a Palestinian barrage had caused the blast, making the death toll the highest of any single incident in Gaza during the current violence to date.
Commenting further, Anwar said he will be heading to Riyadh, tomorrow to attend the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-Asean summit
He said following the summit, a special discussion has been organised to discuss the actions needed to be taken towards Israel over its persecution of the Palestinian people.
“After the GCC, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Salman has asked me to attend for a one-day visit for discussions.
“I will also consider the need to discuss with several other world leaders which either require me to travel to these countries or do it via a phone call,” he added. – October 18, 2023