‘Probe killing of 58 Palestinians’

Wisma Putra: Israeli forces used excessive violence against demonstrators

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has called on the United Nations to investigate the excessive violence by Israeli forces in the killing of 58 Palestinians during a protest over the new US Embassy in Jerusalem.

Wisma Putra said Israel’s act of brutality with “disproportionate use of force in the name of self-defence” was a clear violation of international law.

“Malaysia strongly urges the international community to act immediately to de-escalate the situation to prevent more casualties.

“Malaysia calls upon the United Nations to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. The perpetrators must be held accountable for the crime against humanity,” it said in a statement yesterday.

Condemning the brutality, the ministry said aside from the deaths of innocent civilians, more than 2,000 people were reportedly injured.

“Malaysia is concerned at the potential wider repercussions of this act of state-sponsored terrorism.

“It will inflame sentiments leading to further violence – not only in the Middle East but beyond. This would be detrimental to the global effort against terrorism,” it said.

It was reported that Israeli soldiers had killed 58 Palestinians at the Gaza border in a clash following the opening of the new US Embassy in Jerusalem.

PKR secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said it strongly opposed the US decision to set up an official embassy in Jerusalem.

“PKR hopes that Malaysia, under the Pakatan Harapan rule, will be able to work closely with all allies in finding a fair and lasting solution,” he said, adding the party also condemned the extremist actions by the Zionist regime.