Key facts
- Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned Israel's E1 settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank.
- Ibrahim stated the project would divide the West Bank and hinder the creation of a contiguous Palestinian state.
- He emphasized that Israeli settlements violate international law.
- Malaysia will "take careful note" of companies participating in the tender and will "act accordingly."
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has condemned Israel's recent decision to issue construction tenders for the E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank. Ibrahim stated that the land, located east of Jerusalem, is crucial for the viability of a Palestinian state and that building on it would divide the West Bank, severely undermining the prospect of a contiguous Palestinian homeland.
He emphasized that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law and accused the Israeli regime of acting with "utter impunity." Ibrahim connected this decision to the ongoing settler violence against Palestinians and the conflict in Gaza, suggesting that Israel has abandoned any pretense of seeking peace or respecting international will.
Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the right to a Palestinian state. Ibrahim also indicated that Kuala Lumpur would "take careful note" of any international companies that choose to participate in the construction tender and would "act accordingly."