Malaysia to open embassy accredited to Palestine

Baku (QNN)- As a counter to Israel’s claim of Jerusalem as its capital and western countries support of it, Malaysia will open an embassy accredited to Palestine, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad announced on Friday.

The embassy, to be located in Jordan, will enable Malaysia to provide the much needed support and assistance to embattled Palestine.

Addressing the 18th summit of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Azerbaijan, Mahathir criticized the silence of international community for “doing nothing” against Israeli actions, Malaysia’s Bernama news agency reported.

“We know that Israel will not allow Malaysia to open an embassy in the Occupied Territory. As such, we will open the embassy in Jordan,” Mahathir announced.

“The embassy will allow us to extend aid to the Palestinians more easily, although Israel will find a way to ensure no aid reaches Palestine,” he said.

The prime minister also said Israel was continuing to “choke the life out of Palestine and the Palestinians” by confiscating more and more Palestinian land until there was none left.

Leaders and representatives of at least 120-member countries of the NAM are meeting in Baku.

“I would also like to bring to this occasion on the fate that awaits our poor Palestinian brothers. Palestine remains occupied by a brutal regime. This regime continues to expand illegal settlements on land that rightfully belongs to the Palestinians,” the 94-year-old leader said.

“It is unfortunate that a world organization set up by powerful nations now sees those very people ignoring the resolutions of that world body. Now, we see others doing the same,” Mahathir added.

He also slammed the occupation state for its intentions to annex part of the West Bank and Jerusalem.

“Many western countries are supporting this move by relocating or vowing to relocate their embassies there. Malaysia does not agree with this,” he said, calling on NAM member countries that have relocated their Israel’s embassies to Jerusalem or are planning to do so to reconsider their decision.