Condemnations Are Not Enough, Anwar Warns Arms-Supplying Nations

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged stronger collaboration between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in a united effort to end the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He emphasized that only a collective regional and global response could halt the continued violence and alleviate the immense suffering of the Palestinian people.

Speaking to reporters following Eid al-Adha prayers at Masjid Putra, Anwar—who also serves as Malaysia’s Finance Minister—highlighted the need for a consolidated front against Israel's ongoing military operations.

“We have made our position clear through the statement issued by Wisma Putra,” Anwar said. “However, this cannot be the burden of a single nation. There is already consensus, especially with the Gulf states, and now we must strengthen that.”

He called on ASEAN, GCC nations, and other like-minded countries to form a united front that speaks decisively and acts firmly on the international stage.

Anwar's comments come in response to the United States’ recent use of its veto power at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which blocked a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the removal of aid restrictions. The move sparked widespread criticism, with Malaysia expressing “deep regret” over what it described as the UNSC’s persistent failure to uphold its responsibilities.

In a statement issued by Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government condemned the inaction and criticized the repeated use of veto power, calling it “deeply disappointing” in the face of one of the gravest humanitarian tragedies since World War II.

Anwar also condemned nations continuing to supply weapons to Israel, saying such actions blatantly violate international law and moral principles.

“Empty condemnations followed by arms sales cannot be justified,” he said. “Malaysia will continue to explore diplomatic pathways to support the Palestinian cause and demand the restoration of their legitimate rights, including in Gaza.”

The Prime Minister revealed that in a series of Eid al-Adha phone calls with fellow Muslim leaders—including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif—all parties expressed strong concern over the violence inflicted by what he termed the “Zionist regime.”

“There was a clear, unified stance,” Anwar said. “We agreed to maintain ongoing dialogue and strengthen cooperation in pursuit of a swift and just resolution to this crisis.”

As the conflict in Gaza continues to claim lives and fuel regional instability, Anwar's call reflects growing momentum within the Muslim world for coordinated diplomatic pressure and tangible action.