Ethnic cleansing in Gaza must stop now, Malaysian premier says

By Bahattin Gonultas and Cuneyt Karadag

BERLIN (AA) - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called on Western countries to put an end to their “hypocrisy” and take active steps to stop Israel’s “ethnic cleansing” of Palestinians in Gaza.

Speaking to Anadolu during his visit to Germany, Ibrahim said he had constructive talks with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on bilateral ties, as well as international issues.

“We had good discussions. I thank them for calling a cease-fire and humanitarian aid,” the premier said and pointed out that many countries expect Western powers to take more active steps to end the atrocities in Gaza.

“I made it very clear, stop the hypocrisy of the West. Because the problems are not the 7th of October. The problem is the whole treatment, and colonialism, and apartheid, and ethnic cleansing in Gaza, that must stop now,” Ibrahim said.

“And the international community has to take up measures now to solve the problem. They cannot fail in their moral duty,” he stressed.

Ibrahim has been one of the most outspoken leaders to condemn Western powers for their military support for Israel, and their silence about crimes being committed by the Israeli army in Gaza.

The Malaysian leader has repeatedly said that Western countries were “selective” and “inconsistent” with regard to the application of international law, and accused them of “hypocrisy” saying they were condemning Russia’s war on Ukraine, but taking no action to stop Israel's atrocities in Gaza.

Israel has waged a deadly military offensive on the Gaza Strip since the Oct. 7 cross-border attack led by Hamas in which some 1,200 people were killed.

Over 31,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have since been killed in Gaza, and over 72,600 others injured amid mass destruction and shortages of necessities.

The Israeli army imposed a crippling blockade on the Palestinian enclave, leaving its population, particularly residents of northern Gaza, on the verge of starvation.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to ensure its forces do not commit acts of genocide, and guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.