Malaysia to send $23 million Gaza aid as PM calls Netanyahu ‘cruel’
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged another 100 million ringgit ($23.6 million) in aid for Gaza, announcing the contribution during a rally in Kuala Lumpur attended by more than 10,000 people.
“Tonight, I announce on behalf of the MADANI Government that we approved RM100 million [$23.6 million] two years ago... and tonight I declare that the Malaysian Government will provide another RM100 million [$23.6 million],” Anwar said on August 25.
He also urged Malaysian businesses to contribute to the cause.
“I will ask friends from our national companies to also show concern. They have helped before, some have already provided various forms of assistance,” he added.
Anwar strongly criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his speech, calling him “cruel” and accusing his government of justifying violence against children.
“Netanyahu and his group are truly not sane! Cruel! They even justify [their wrongdoings] by claiming that children are Hamas. A two-year-old running [they say] is Hamas. They are sick,” he said.
Malaysia has long been a supporter of the Palestinian cause, maintaining its position of not recognising Israel and consistently voicing opposition to Israeli military actions in Gaza.
Anwar's pledge comes days after the declaration of famine in Gaza, where more than half a million people are on the brink of starvation, according to the United Nations-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
