Is Brussels Paying Attention to Malaysia’s Support for Hamas? The recent shocking attack by Hamas on Israel, resulting in the death of over 1,300 civilians and triggering a war, has garnered worldwide attention.
Around 100 countries released official statements on the matter, falling into three camps: those condemning Hamas and supporting Israel's right to defend itself, those condemning violence on both sides but decrying Hamas, and those blaming Israel and/or outright supporting Hamas. Amidst these statements, Malaysia and its Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stood out for their strong support of Hamas.
Malaysia, alongside Indonesia, expressed sentiments aligning with the latter group, squarely blaming Israel while ignoring Hamas' actions and disregarding Western requests for restraint. In the Middle East and North Africa region, countries like Iran, Syria, Algeria, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, and Jordan expressed their various positions on the issue. On the other hand, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy firmly condemned Hamas and pledged their support for Israel.
Malaysia's stance becomes even more problematic when considering previous reports that uncovered a training program in 2012 that provided guidance to Hamas fighters on flying powered parachutes. This training facilitated Hamas' use of motorized paragliders during the attack, resulting in indiscriminate killings, including at the Nova music festival. Furthermore, Malaysian Prime Minister Ibrahim openly acknowledged the country's ties with Hamas, declaring an ongoing relationship.
The Malaysian government even equated Hamas' terrorist attack with a legitimate Palestinian resistance movement, prioritizing the resolution of long-standing issues between Palestinians and Israel. Support for Hamas contradicts the EU's principles and norms, which include promoting democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms.
The EU should draw a clear distinction between the terrorist group Hamas and Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip. If Malaysia continues its support for Hamas, the EU should make it evident that economic relations between the two will be affected. While negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Malaysia and the EU have been stalled since 2012, the recent Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) strengthens cooperation between them in various areas.
The EU should emphasize its shared values when it comes to economic relations, especially considering the potential expansion of trade and investment ties between the two. However, Malaysia's backing of Hamas could result in political isolation and economic consequences. Brussels and its Western partners, including the US, may distance themselves from Malaysia, impacting the country's relationships and trade partnerships.
Supporting Hamas blurs the lines between militants and Palestinian civilians and provides a platform for an organization committed to causing destruction and chaos. By openly aligning with other pariah states that support Hamas, Malaysia risks tarnishing its international reputation. It is crucial for Brussels to closely monitor and address Malaysia's vocal support for Hamas, considering the potential ramifications for regional stability and international relations.
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