Anwar Ibrahim Demands Severe Punitive Actions Against Israel at Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha

Doha, The Gulf Observer: Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for severe punitive measures against Israel, denouncing in the strongest terms the latest airstrikes on Doha, the capital of Qatar, as well as the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Delivering Malaysia’s national statement at the Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha on Monday night (Sept 15), Anwar stressed that condemnations and declarations alone were insufficient. “Severe punitive actions must be put in place. Diplomatic engagements must cease and so must trade relations,” he declared.

The Prime Minister described the indiscriminate bombing of a sovereign state’s capital as “lawless, barbaric and indefensible,” characterizing it as both an assault on Qatar’s sovereignty and a violation of international law. He warned that the attacks posed a serious threat to regional stability.

Highlighting Qatar’s longstanding role as a mediator under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Anwar said the strikes amounted to a direct sabotage of peace efforts. “To strike Qatar is to blatantly sabotage those very efforts for peace. This attack must be regarded as an attack against us all,” he asserted.

Anwar accused Israel of pursuing a calculated campaign of aggression, noting that Gaza remained under relentless bombardment with families annihilated, hospitals destroyed, and children buried beneath rubble. He further condemned Israel’s military actions across the region, including in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Iraq, and Iran.

“This pattern of lawlessness shows utter contempt for the very foundations of civilisation and international order,” he said.

The Prime Minister underscored Israel’s open rejection of a Palestinian state, describing it as “a declaration of permanent apartheid” and a repudiation of international law and the right of self-determination. He also urged nations with close ties to the United States to shoulder greater responsibility in addressing the crisis.

Drawing attention to a humanitarian flotilla currently en route to Gaza, Anwar appealed for collective support to ensure its safe passage. “It is a mission of mercy, and we must do all in our power to see that it reaches its shore,” he said.

Anwar is attending the extraordinary summit at the invitation of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, following recent escalations of Israeli attacks on the region. The Malaysian delegation includes Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan, and senior officials from the Foreign Ministry.