Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim makes ‘no apology’ for Hamas links on Germany visit

Israel’s attacks followed the October 7 incursion into Israel by Hamas-led militants, which killed around 1,200 Israelis and saw scores taken as hostages into Gaza.

His comment puts Malaysia diametrically opposite Germany regarding the Israel–Gaza war, with Berlin firmly behind Israel and defending the Jewish-majority state in the genocide case in the International Court of Justice.

Muslim-majority Malaysia does not recognise Israel’s statehood. It has long been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, hosting Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in 1984 and 2001 and welcoming Ismail Haniyeh and Khaled Mashal, leaders of the political wing of Hamas, in 2020.

Despite their differences, Anwar insisted there was “trust” between Malaysia and Germany on the issue of the Israel-Gaza war and they agreed on some aspects, such as pushing for a two-state solution.

Anwar’s latest comments come as he continues to advocate strongly on behalf of the Palestinians.

“Unfortunately, the gut-wrenching tragedy that continues to unfold in the Gaza Strip has laid bare the self-serving nature of [the] much-vaunted rules-based order,” he said in his speech at the Australian National University in Canberra.

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Malaysia’s leader condemns Israel over Gaza strikes as thousands attend pro-Palestinian rally

“The differing responses by the West to human suffering defy reason.”

Anwar’s staunch support for the Palestinians can be traced back to his years as a student leader in the 1970s including as the leader of the Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement.

Championing the cause is also a politically savvy move in Malaysia, which recognises the state of Palestine, as Malay-Muslim majority voters are deeply concerned about the plight of Palestinians amid a tilt towards