KUALA LUMPUR: The parliamentary Special Select Committee on International Relations and Trade today condemned atrocities committed by Israel against Palestine and urged for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
"In accordance with the Fourth Geneva Convention on protecting civilians during war, we condemn, in particular, the actions of Israel for cutting off basic supplies of water, electricity and gas to the people in Gaza, as these actions are tantamount to war crimes," said committee chairman Wong Chen (PH-Subang Jaya) in a press conference.
Present were Howard Lee Chuan How (PH-Ipoh Timur), Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang), Aminolhuda Hassan (PH-Sri Gading) and Datuk Suhaimi Abdullah (PN-Langkawi).
Wong said the committee also urged the United Nations to be given the mandate to mediate a ceasefire and manage the safe and orderly evacuation of any refugees on their terms.
He said Malaysia has been consistent in condemning the atrocities and gross human rights violations perpetrated by Israel on the Palestinians for decades.
"Like the Malaysian government, we acknowledge that Hamas was democratically elected by the people of Gaza and, therefore has legitimate authority in Gaza.
"We support the Malaysian government's position and its efforts in holding dialogues with Hamas and other parties to find a peaceful resolution to this severe conflict."
Wong said the committee also supported the government's pledge to donate RM100 million in humanitarian aid to all those affected.