UPDATE - Israeli politicians sacrificing innocent lives to keep themselves in power: Malaysian premier

UPDATES WITH REACTION FROM COUNTRIES, CHANGES DECK

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim criticized Israeli politicians Wednesday, saying they are sacrificing innocent lives to keep themselves in power.

In a statement on X, Anwar said Israel’s continued aggression and attacks on Lebanon, Syria and Yemen are deliberate attempts to divert the global community’s focus from its brutal atrocities and acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

"This escalation is plainly aimed at keeping Israel’s current political leaders in power and out of prison, sacrificing innocent lives at the altar of one man’s political career,” he added, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

He called on all parties in the Middle East to urgently de-escalate tensions which are destabilizing the region.

"We must urgently prevent a dangerous cycle of action and reaction, which threatens to draw even more parties into the conflict, further deepening instability and broadening the scale of destruction," said Anwar, urging all concerned parties to take immediate action to reduce hostilities and establish conditions necessary to prevent a broader regional conflict from erupting.

- India, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia react

Meanwhile, India expressed deep concern about the escalating security situation in the Middle East.

Reiterating its call for "restraint by all concerned and protection of civilians," the Indian Foreign Ministry stated, "It is important that the conflict does not take on a wider regional dimension."

"We urge that all issues be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy," the ministry said.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the situation as an "extremely dangerous escalation," emphasizing that Australia and the global community have been clear in their calls for de-escalation.

"Further hostilities put civilians at risk," he said on X.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon characterized the Iranian missile attack on Israel as a "dangerous escalation" at a time when his country and the international community are urging maximum restraint and diplomacy.

"A wider conflict would be devastating for the Middle East, particularly for civilians. Regional leaders must break the toxic cycle of escalation and retaliation that further destabilizes the region and undermines peace," he said.

Indonesia also called for self-restraint and warned of the potential for a wider conflict in the Middle East. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Roy Soemirat expressed concern over the latest developments in the region, urging all parties to exercise caution.

"Indonesia is also very worried about the possibility of a wider war, as warned by the UN Secretary-General," Roy said.

Tensions are running high in the Middle East following an Iranian missile attack on Israel late Tuesday. Israel reported that Iran had launched around 180 missiles in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

*Ahmad Adil in New Delhi contributed to this story