Malaysian PM lauds ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant as historic milestone
Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia's prime minister, during a Bloomberg Television interview in New York, US, on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023. Anwar said Malaysia is willing to step up cooperation with China in a comprehensive way and forge a stronger relationship with China, China National Radio reported this month. Photographer: Stephanie Keith/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants for Israeli leaders as a “monumental victory,” stressing its significance in the fight for justice and humanity.
Speaking after Friday prayers in Putrajaya, Anwar lauded the ICC’s decision as a step towards alleviating Palestinian suffering and holding accountable those responsible for alleged war crimes.
The ICC accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of crimes against humanity and war crimes, including the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare.
This decision, Anwar argued, is grounded in evidence of oppression and atrocities committed in Gaza. He also called for Netanyahu’s arrest should he travel abroad.
The ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza, which began after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, has reportedly killed over 44,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children.
The blockade and continuous strikes have caused widespread displacement and severe shortages of essentials, escalating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
