KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 31 — After six long days of demonstrations, the Kepung Demi Palestin movement against Israel’s occupation of Gaza saw political leaders call out the United States for its support of Israel and the military violence against Palestinians in Gaza.
Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, who arrived at the event around 9pm, criticised Israel for its continued military siege on Gaza for its conflict against Hamas.
Mohamad said after nearly three months of war, Israel has continued its campaign of bombing and destroying holy places in Gaza but yet was no closer to its professed aim of eradicating Hamas.
“In reality, Israel has actually lost this war. They’re only able to continue fighting because America is helping them.
“I want to ask the Americans, why not fight against the Russians? Instead, you attack a people with no country? Shame on you,” said Sabu.
“The entire world is against this war and rallies in Europe against the cruelty the Palestinians are facing are huge, even they are rejecting their governments’ stance to not interfere in this war.
“From Abraham Lincoln ending slavery and Truman dropping a nuclear bomb, now we have Biden the new president who is sullying US’ name on the world stage. Are you not ashamed?
“Hence, I ask that America end this war as it has become a humanitarian crisis,” he said.
Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who also attended, earlier gave a speech condemning Israel and America’s actions.
“Nothing unites us more than our combined efforts to reject the cruelty of America. Israelis don’t care about what the world think, they continue their efforts to kill Palestinians.
“They’re worse than animals. Animals kills due to hunger but Israel kills because they want to erase all Palestinians. They have no humanity.
“With the US helping them, they will not (accept a) ceasefire so we must all unite and show our unhappiness and make sure the governments of the world take action against Israel,” he said.
Supporters began gathering as early as 6pm at Jalan Tun Razak, in the vicinity of the US Embassy.
As many as 200 gathered to hear Dr Mahathir at 8.30pm, Sabu at 9pm and other speakers like organiser Chua Tian Chang and writer Norma Hashim.
Flags were placed along the roads, banners hung on the overhead bridge, and cars kept honking in support as they drove by.
Sekretariat Solidarity Palestin spokesman Chua said the demonstration has been able to convey the scenario in Gaza right now and has managed to generate intense attention among the public and the media.
