• Malaysia's foreign minister condemns Israeli actions in Gaza, calling them "atrocities."
• Comments highlight "indifference and double standards" regarding Palestinian rights.
• Kuala Lumpur has provided over $10 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza since October 2023.

Malaysia's Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan condemned Israeli "atrocities" in Gaza during an ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur. He described these actions as reflecting "indifference and double standards" towards the Palestinian people, underscoring a diminishing regard for international law. His statements were made in the wake of heightened Israeli military operations this month, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties, according to various reports. Mohamad highlighted the urgent need for ASEAN to not remain silent on the matter, referencing the association's ongoing commitment to Palestinian rights, according to Channel News Asia, India Times, and South China Morning Post.

Amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis, Mohamad stated that "the total siege of Gaza" has led to widespread starvation and deaths, with reports indicating that approximately 54,000 individuals, primarily women and children, have perished since the onset of conflict in October 2023. He emphasized that the drastic measures taken by Israeli forces merely illustrate the broader pattern of disregard for international norms affecting Palestine. These sentiments were echoed at the ASEAN summit, as Malaysia holds the rotating presidency, as reported by The Jakarta Post and Africa News.

Malaysia has taken an active role in aiding the Palestinian cause, having supplied humanitarian assistance exceeding $10 million since October 2023. Notably, Mohamad Hasan's remarks come as Israel has somewhat eased its blockade on Gaza, although humanitarian access remains severely restricted. The call for action from ASEAN leaders reflects a broader sentiment among member states that advocate for Palestinian rights, as articulated in resolutions from earlier meetings, according to Anadolu Agency and South China Morning Post.