Those who back Israel are the real terrorists, cries 'sad and angry' Dr M

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is both sad and livid over the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

The 99-year-old politician also launched an acerbic salvo against Israel and its supporters, calling them the “real hypocrites and terrorists”.

“I am lucky and proud to have made Ismail’s acquaintance over the years. A soft-spoken man, yet with the heart of a lion. Ismail’s unrelenting quest in fighting for the liberation of Palestine against Israel’s occupation is indeed something every freedom fighter should emulate.

“He is an impressive man whose courage to stand up for his people obviously stemmed from a clear conscience and guided by a moral compass that is based on humanity and religious conviction,” he said in his message of condolence this afternoon.

Describing Israel as a “rogue and genocidal” nation, Mahathir said what happened to Ismail demonstrated the Zionist regime’s “arrogance and ruthlessness”.

“And yet, the Western media and some of their leaders continue to condemn Hamas and Ismail as terrorists, when there stood, right before their very eyes - Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israel Defence Forces, and the illegal Jewish settlers - who for decades had been committing acts of terror on Palestinians.

“The self-styled civilised Western leaders labelled Ismail, Hamas, and other Palestinian freedom fighters as terrorists. The utter hypocrisy of the West and their ilk is indeed nauseating.

“I am truly sad and I am angry. I am sad because Ismail, a good and courageous man who spent his entire adult life fighting for the liberation of Palestine, is killed.

“I am angry because the Western world, which can make a difference, chooses to keep quiet and instead side with the Israelis in committing their acts of terror and conducting genocide on Palestinians,” he added.

Death will not be in vain

However, Mahathir said he remains optimistic because Ismail’s struggle would not perish with him and Palestinians would not allow his death to be in vain.

“They may kill Ismail but not his ideas and what he stood for.

“To the family of Ismail, please accept my deepest condolences for your loss of such a remarkable man.

“To Hamas and the people of Palestine, you have lost a great leader, a man of courage and conviction. May Allah forgive him, grant him Jannah and place him among the righteous.

“From the river to the sea, Palestine shall be free,” he added.

Yesterday, both Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the government condemned the killing of Ismail and called for an immediate investigation to bring those responsible to justice.

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