KUALA LUMPUR – Calls for a ceasefire in Gaza now by countries supportive of Israel are “not enough” as they had been silent on Israel’s atrocities against Palestinians before this, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In a clip of an interview with German broadcaster DW, Anwar said he acknowledged Germany’s position in calling for an immediate ceasefire and for increased humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
“But certainly it is not enough, because you’re a bit silent (on) the fact that (there are) continued attacks on innocent lives in Gaza,” he said in the excerpt, which DW posted on X.
Anwar, who had been in Germany the past week on official business, also asked why it was “so difficult” to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
“And how is it (that) you can tolerate 60 years of atrocities,” he added in the interview.
While Malaysia and Germany had jointly called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during Anwar’s visit, the Malaysian prime minister had also targeted Western hypocrisy over Israel’s actions in Gaza.
In a joint press conference on March 11, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had defended Israel’s right to defend itself “at any cost” and emphasised the release of hostages and humanitarian aid.
To this, Anwar said: “You cannot find a solution by getting so one-sided in terms of looking at only one issue and erasing 60 years of atrocities.
“The solution is not just releasing hostages. What about the settlements? What about the behaviour of the settlers which now continues daily?
“What about dispossession, their land, their rights, their dignity, their men, women and children? Are these of no concern?
“Where have we thrown our humanity? Why this hypocrisy?” Anwar asked.
Clips of Anwar’s remarks at the joint press conference have made the rounds and been welcomed by many. – March 15, 2024