Malaysia's Anwar Pledges Full Support for Palestinian Liberation

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed his nation's unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause, declaring that Kuala Lumpur "fully supports any initiative that aids the liberation of Palestine." The announcement came during a massive solidarity rally in the capital where thousands gathered to express support for Palestinians amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza.Mass Rally in Kuala Lumpur

Thousands of demonstrators converged on Kuala Lumpur's Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, carrying Palestinian flags and banners with pro-Palestinian slogans in one of the largest recent displays of solidarity with Gaza. Participants included students, civil servants, activists, and retirees, many wearing traditional keffiyeh scarves and Palestine-themed accessories. The rally also expressed support for 23 Malaysian nationals who participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian mission attempting to break Israel's naval blockade of Gaza.

New Humanitarian Initiatives Planned

Prime Minister Anwar revealed plans to pursue new avenues for delivering humanitarian assistance to Gaza, stating "We have already attempted to break the blockade of Gaza by sea, and now there is a proposal to go through Rafah border, which deserves consideration." He announced scheduled meetings with NGO leaders next week to develop strategies for land-based aid delivery through Egypt's Rafah crossing, following which he plans to contact Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to facilitate the initiative.

International Cooperation and Legal Context

The Malaysian leader acknowledged Türkiye's continued assistance in securing the release of nine additional Malaysian activists detained by Israeli forces during the Freedom Flotilla incident. The rally and announcements occurred against the backdrop of ongoing legal proceedings against Israeli officials, with the International Criminal Court having issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes, while Israel also faces genocide allegations at the International Court of Justice.