KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim commended the government for calling the Dewan Rakyat special session, which he said Pakatan Rakyat had wanted.

He said the Palestinian problem was not new but a modern-day tragedy which had its origins six decades ago.

Anwar said the international media's contention that the conflict was a product of Ha-mas' rocket attacks on Israel was baseless.

"Hamas has the support of the majority of the people in Gaza.

"Moreover, Gaza is ambushed and occupied and the people have a right to defend themselves."
He called on the government to make known its displeasure to Israel's biggest backer, the United States.

"We must be firm. The Foreign Ministry must call up the US ambassador and express our strong objection against President (George W.) Bush (who has backed Israel's attacks on Gaza).

"Bush is considered the weakest president in the history of US.

"Hopefully, this House would convey its wish to the US to review its military and financial assistance amounting to US$21 billion (RM73.5 billion) to the Israeli regime.

"The military technology supplied, such as the F16 aircraft, Apache helicopters and guided missiles will be used against the Palestinians."