Mahathir Mohamad's Remarks on Al-Aqsa Flood's Impact
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad recently addressed the significant impact of the Al-Aqsa Flood operation, which took place on October 7, 2023. Speaking at the 7th Kuala Lumpur Forum for Thought and Civilization in Istanbul, he emphasized that this event shattered the prevailing Israeli narrative and rekindled global awareness about the Palestinian struggle. Mahathir noted the importance of the forum's timing, coinciding with the one-year anniversary of the Al-Aqsa Flood, to highlight the Palestinians' resolve to reclaim their land amidst ongoing oppression.
A Call for Global Solidarity
During his speech, Mahathir highlighted the rising awareness and solidarity seen in demonstrations by university students across America and Europe, as well as the supportive stance taken by countries like South Africa at the International Court of Justice. He condemned the leaders of nations that support aggression against Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, urging those who feel helpless to vocalize their opposition against Israel and its allies. The former prime minister's remarks reflect a growing sentiment among many nations and individuals advocating for Palestinian rights.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza and Lebanon
The Al-Aqsa Flood operation was a response to decades of Israeli occupation and violence against Palestinians, particularly around the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Following the attack, Israel launched a large-scale military response that has led to catastrophic humanitarian outcomes, with reports indicating over 139,000 Palestinian casualties, predominantly among women and children. The situation worsened as Israel expanded its military actions into Lebanon, resulting in significant civilian casualties and mass displacement. The ongoing conflict has raised alarms globally about the dire humanitarian crisis affecting millions in the region.