Malaysia Withdraws from Frankfurt Book Fair, Expresses Solidarity with Palestine
Malaysian Ministry of Education cites solidarity with Palestine amid ongoing Israeli aggression
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In a dramatic move, the Malaysian Ministry of Education has opted out of participation in this year's Frankfurt Book Fair, accusing organizers of adopting a pro-Israeli occupation stance. The withdrawal is grounded in the assertion of the Palestinian people's right to their land and life amidst the continuing Israeli aggression against Gaza.
The decision to withdraw follows Litprom, a literary association, announcing the postponement of an award ceremony for a Palestinian author at the fair, citing the ongoing conflict in Palestine as a pretext. Additionally, the fair's organizers expressed a desire to emphasize Jewish and Israeli voices in this year's event via a Facebook announcement.
The Malaysian Ministry of Education, in a statement yesterday, declared its refusal to ignore the violence committed by Israel in Palestine, deeming it a blatant violation of international laws and human rights. The decision aligns with the government's stance of unwavering solidarity and full support for Palestine.
Malaysia, a nation with a substantial Muslim majority and a robust economy, has long been a fervent advocate for the Palestinian cause.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, on Tuesday, called for an immediate cessation of the bombing in Gaza and the establishment of a humanitarian corridor after a phone conversation with Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas' political office. Ibrahim assured Haniyeh of Malaysia's steadfast solidarity with the Palestinian people in the Al-Aqsa Flood operation.
Expressing disagreement with Western pressure to condemn Hamas, Anwar Ibrahim emphasized his commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause earlier this week.
Yesterday, the UN Security Council rejected a Russia-proposed draft resolution aimed at addressing the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. The resolution garnered four votes in favor, five against, and six abstentions.
Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia, expressing regret, stated, "We regret that the council once again has found itself a hostage to the ego, to the selfish intentions of the Western bloc of countries."
Despite amendments to condemn indiscriminate Israeli strikes in Gaza and call for a humanitarian ceasefire, proposed by the Russian mission, the resolution faced resistance.
Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour argued that the council has a moral duty to act, citing the alarming rate of lives lost in the Gaza Strip due to Israeli aggression—12 lives every hour.
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