US has no moral standing to broker peace in Gaza: Ex-MP

Former Klang MP Charles Santiago has spoken out strongly against the position of the United States on the Israel-Gaza conflict, saying it has no moral standing to broker peace anywhere.

In a statement today responding to Malaysiakini’s interview with US ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D Kagan, Charles claimed that US foreign policy is run by the Jewish lobby that has held its presidents on ransom in exchange for political support.

“The US has always done Israel’s bidding, and so, what ‘shared values’ are you hallucinating about, Kagan?

“It’s not shocking to see Kagan talking about ‘Israel’s security’ despite the fact their tanks and artillery continue to kill children, women and civilians.

“Maybe the Jewish lobby money speaks a more powerful language than the destruction and deaths?” said Charles (above) who served as MP from 2008 to 2022.

Kagan had stressed that while Washington is committed to ending the bloodshed, it is not prepared to “turn away” from its long-standing commitment to Israel’s security.

He went on to claim that its relationship and the strength of its commitment to Israel lends the US credibility to broker peace in the region.

US turning blind eye to Israel’s violence

Charles reminded the envoy that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory has always been violent.

“The International Court of Justice has clearly observed that this is a threat to international peace and security.

“We see many nations condemning the ongoing onslaught in Gaza and the West Bank, which is an extermination of Palestinians.

“Kagan should know that conversations cannot start with Oct 7, 2023 (the day present hostilities began with a Hamas-led attack) but by looking at decades of massacre by Israeli forces,” he said.

Charles asked if the senior diplomat had anything to say about Israel targeting schools and hospitals leading to many deaths of vulnerable civilians.

“Would Kagan deny it too as well as Israel’s gross violation of humanitarian law?

“No US president had the spine to stand up against grotesque atrocities committed against Palestinians.

“The US has vetoed resolutions critical of Israel more than any other council member - 45 times as of Dec 18, 2023,” said Charles.

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