Malaysian NGOs Submit 10 Demands To US Over Gaza War

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- A coalition of Malaysian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) submitted a memorandum containing 10 demands to the United States (US) government, calling for an end to weapons transfers to Israel and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza.

The memorandum was handed over by coalition representatives to a US Embassy official here on Friday.

Earlier, the group of nearly 1,000 people marched to the Embassy after performing Friday’s prayers at the Tabung Haji building. 

Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM) president Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin, who is also the coalition’s spokesperson, said the demands included imposing strict conditions under international law on US military assistance.

“Stop the transfer of weapons where there is a substantial risk of their unlawful use,” he said while reading out the demands at the rally.

Other demands included guaranteeing unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza, protecting hospitals, medical personnel and humanitarian workers, supporting independent investigations into alleged violations of international law and opposing the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.

The memorandum also called for respect for the authority of international courts, an end to diplomatic double standards, support for Palestinian self-determination and the establishment of an international humanitarian mechanism for Gaza's reconstruction.

Ahmad Fahmi said humanitarian assistance remained insufficient, particularly in meeting the nutritional needs of Palestinians and providing construction materials for rebuilding damaged infrastructure.

He said at least 16 Members of Parliament and more than 100 NGOs and coalition partners had expressed support for the memorandum.

Among the organisations represented at the rally were ABIM, Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Malaysia, Pemuda Amanah Nasional, ALPHA, HALUAN and the Malaysian Women's Coalition for Al-Quds and Palestine.

The rally, held under the theme “Stand Against Genocide – Gaza Will Not Be Forgotten”, was part of Gaza Genocide Remembrance Week, held from Oct 5 to 11 to mark three years since the escalation of the Gaza conflict on Oct 7, 2023.

-- BERNAMA