Malaysian PM: Meeting With Hamas Leaders To Find Peaceful Solutions

Screenshot - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim gave his main speech at the 29th Nikkei Forum in Tokyo, Japan, followed online from Kuala Lumpur, Thursday (23/5/2024). (ANTARA/Vir P Setyorini)

JAKARTA - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said his meeting with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Qatar some time ago was to help find a peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. "I emphasize that in the meeting there was no issue of violence, but as friends over the last few decades, it is our job to help them find a peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict," Anwar said in a statement shared via his social media account accessed in Kuala Lumpur, Antara, Thursday, May 26. Anwar took the opportunity to meet to appeal to Ismail Haniyeh heed the call for peace, accept a two-state solution to the Israeli and Palestinian conflicts, and exchange prisoners. The statement was also the answer in the question and answer session after giving the main speech at the 29th Nikkei Forum in Tokyo, Japan. "I also answer questions about the actions of the United States that do not use its influence in fighting the humanitarian crisis but instead continue to encourage the massacre and destruction of the Palestinian people," Anwar said. Anwar, after meeting with Hamas leaders on Monday, May 13, through his social media accounts, said Malaysia would continue to commit to playing its role in international rankings to stop Israeli attacks on Rafah. At the same time mobilizing faster efforts to help war victims in Gaza, particularly in terms of humanitarian assistance, medicine and education.

He said Malaysia appreciates Hamas' willingness to release prisoners, especially children and women, release all detainees and approve the peace plan.