Kuala Lumpur (QNN) - Malaysia has instituted a ban on all Israeli-owned and flagged ships, as well as vessels bound for Israel, from accessing its ports. The decision, effective immediately, was announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's office on Wednesday. The ban is a direct response to Israel's violation of humanitarian principles and international law in its ongoing genocide campaign against the Gaza Strip. The official statement asserted, "This sanction is a response to Israel’s actions that disregard the basic humanitarian principles and violate international law through the ongoing massacre and continuous cruelty against the Palestinian people." A Muslim-majority nation, Malaysia has consistently advocated for Palestinian rights and causes. Alongside neighboring countries such as Indonesia, Brunei, Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Pakistan, Malaysia does not recognize Israel. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim remains a prominent international figure vocal against Israel and its supporters, despite the United States being a key trading partner. Malaysian passports notably bear the inscription: "Valid for all countries except Israel," emphasizing the country's stance on the matter. Israeli passport holders are prohibited from entering Malaysia without prior permission, underscoring the depth of Malaysia's diplomatic stance against Israel.