Malaysia bans Israeli and related shipping, citing 'cruelty to Palestinian people'
In a significant move, Malaysia has officially declared a ban on all Israeli-owned and flagged ships, as well as any vessels en route to Israel, from docking at its ports. The decision, effective immediately, was announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's office, citing Israel's actions in its conflict with Hamas as the primary reason for the ban.
Background and Rationale:
The statement released by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's office asserted that the ban is a response to Israel's actions, which are perceived to disregard basic humanitarian principles and violate international law. The ongoing conflict and what Malaysia describes as continuous cruelty against the Palestinian people prompted this decisive measure.
Malaysian Stance on Palestinian Rights:
As a predominantly Muslim nation, Malaysia has been a staunch advocate for Palestinian rights and causes. Alongside countries like Indonesia, Brunei, Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Pakistan, Malaysia does not recognize Israel. The nation has a history of taking strong positions against Israel's actions and has condemned the recent bombardment of Gaza by the Israeli military in response to Hamas' attacks.
Political Pressure and Anwar Ibrahim's Role:
The ongoing conflict has led to mass rallies in Malaysia, placing domestic political pressure on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Despite being a major trading partner with the United States, Anwar remains one of the most outspoken world leaders against Israel and its supporters.
Israeli Passport Holders and ZIM Shipping:
Israeli passport holders are forbidden from entering Malaysia without prior permission, and the country's passports explicitly state, "Valid for all countries except Israel." The statement also pointed out that Israeli-registered companies and ships, including those of the global shipping company ZIM, have been allowed to dock in Malaysia since 2005. However, the recent decision overrides past Cabinet decisions and imposes restrictions on Israeli-flagged ships.
Malaysia's decision to ban Israeli-owned and linked shipping reflects its strong stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The move highlights the nation's commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause and sends a clear message against what it perceives as violations of international law and humanitarian principles by Israel.