By NNN-Bernama,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia : Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak extended the country’s greetings to Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian people, in conjunction with the country’s International Day of Solidarity with the Palestine People Monday.
In his message, Najib said that it was unfortunate that after more than 40 years, the international community had still not found an amicable solution to the conflict in Palestine.
“For far too long, we have witnessed a rise in the tide of hope for peace in the Middle East, only to have our hopes dashed in the face of Israeli violence.
“The Israeli indiscriminate attacks killed more than 1,400 Palestinians and severely injured 5,000 more. Yet again, many of these victims were innocent children and women,” he said.
The prime minister said Israel’s continuous blockade at borders restricted the delivery of essential goods, persons and construction materials to vulnerable groups in Gaza.
This blockade constitutes a form of collective punishment, which is strictly forbidden by international law, he added.
“Israel must recognise itself for what it is — the source of conflict in the Middle East.
“The Palestinian people can count on Malaysia’s continuous strong support in their efforts to create an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, with East Jurusalem as its capital and in their quest to achieve a just solution to their predicament,” he said.