LETTER | The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhamam) condemns in the strongest terms, the forced evictions of Palestinians, escalating violence against civilians and recent airstrikes between Palestine and Israel. 

The flare-up of violence which began a week ago in the midst of the Holy Month of Ramadan, has reportedly killed 148 people in Gaza, including 41 children, to date. 

Israel continues to commit such atrocities in Palestine with impunity, and Suhakam regrets that, as of today, the United Nations (UN) Security Council has not adequately addressed the matter.

The Charter of the UN clearly states that the threat or use of force against other states is unlawful, and according to Article 2(4) “All Members shall refrain, in their international relations, from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations”.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, has called for strict respect for international law and appealed to all sides to take steps to de-escalate the increasingly alarming situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. 

These atrocities are against human rights principles and Suhakam is deeply concerned about the critical humanitarian and deteriorating human rights situation in Palestine. 

Suhakam hopes that humanitarian assistance would be prioritised, as in all emergency situations, and definitive steps would be taken to protect and preserve the lives and dignity of individuals, including women and children.

With respect to preserving media freedoms, violent attacks against media houses must cease immediately. 

Suhakam echoes the statement by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin for the international community, especially the UN Security Council, to immediately call for the cessation of all forms of violence committed by Israel and effort must be taken to save the lives of Palestinians. 

Suhakam joins all Malaysians in supporting the pledge and stands in solidarity with Palestinians.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.