KUALA LUMPUR: Israel's escalation of violence and widespread bombardment on Palestine is a war crime under the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said it was also an act that violated international law, human rights law, international humanitarian law and the Charter of the United Nations (UN).
"Malaysia has been closely following the latest developments taking place against our brothers and sisters in Palestine, especially the inhumane and hostile aggressions by the regime in the Gaza Strip and atrocities committed against the Palestinians in the West Bank.
"To date, more than 119 Palestinians have been reportedly killed while hundreds more injured as a result of the Zionist regime's escalation of violence.
"These brutal and vicious attacks are very disturbing to Muslims all over the world especially since they were mounted not only in the holy month of Ramadan but have continued until the month of Syawal where Muslims around the world are celebrating Eid.
"Indeed, these heinous acts by the Israeli military, in particular the ruthless bombing, shelling and destruction of properties, without any compassion and mercy for the Palestinians, must be strongly condemned by the rest of the world," he said in a special address on the situation in Palestine telecast live on RTM, Bernama, TV3 and Astro Awani.
Muhyiddin said he had a discussion with the president of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, regarding the current situation in Palestine.
"In our conversation, President Joko Widodo and I agree that the regime's despicable actions should cease immediately. We were of similar views that the international community, especially the UN Security Council, should act swiftly to cease all forms of violence committed by Israel, and save the lives of Palestinians.
"In this regard, Malaysia will take the lead, together with Indonesia and Brunei, in issuing a joint statement to strongly condemn Israel's oppressive attacks on the Palestinians," he said.
He said he was disappointed by the inability of the international community, especially the UN Security Council, to immediately halt Israel's escalation of violence against the Palestinians.
"To date, the UN Security Council has not issued any statement on the current situation in Palestine due to opposition from the United States of America.
"Nevertheless, Malaysia will continue with our efforts in urging the international community, especially the UN Security Council, to act swiftly in compelling Israel to stop its attacks on the Palestinians," he said.
He reaffirmed the Malaysian government's stance in strongly supporting Palestine and the struggles of its people in terms of politics, economy, and morale.
"The best solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict can only be reached through negotiations in ensuring lasting regional peace, security and stability.
"Malaysia is all for a fair and equitable settlement through the Two-State Solution based on the pre-1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine as the only viable solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
"Malaysia will continue to support all efforts for a just and lasting solution, in particular, through negotiations involving all the relevant parties based on international laws and the relevant UN resolutions."
He said Malaysia would continue to make bilateral contributions towards Palestine in addition to making contributions to other international bodies.
"Through the Humanitarian Trust Fund for People of Palestine supervised by the Foreign Ministry, Malaysia has contributed USD10,000 (approximately RM41,250) to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in 2020. The contribution has been channelled to the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.
"In fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, the government has provided assistance to the Palestinians in the form of medical products including one million face masks 500 face shields and 500,000 rubber gloves. The products were sent via a special chartered plane to Amman, Jordan, on May 10, 2020," he
said.
He added that last year Malaysia also contributed USD120,000 (approximately RM495,000) to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in the Near East (UNRWA) to cover the cost for its operations and programmes for the year 2020.
"Malaysia has been consistently providing strong support and contributions to UNRWA since 1978. Since 2015, Malaysia has contributed USD600,000 to UNRWA.
"I would like to thank the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Malaysia and Malaysians on the whole who have always been supportive of the Palestinian people.
"I hope you will continue making contributions for the Palestinians through legitimate charitable funds created for this purpose."