KUCHING: Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah expressed concerns that the ongoing crisis in the Middle East might escalate into a severe conflict, potentially threatening international security.
Discussing the Iran-Israel conflict, she noted that both nations claim they are acting in their national interest to protect their sovereignty.
“My hope is that the crisis does not escalate further and that peace prevails in the Middle East.
“It is crucial that innocent children and women are not displaced from their homes, can lead normal lives, and do not suffer from the dreadful atrocities of war,” Fatimah told New Sarawak Tribune today (Apr 15).
She also revealed personal stakes in the conflict, explaining how it directly affects her family.
“This situation is particularly distressing as my son works at the Malaysian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, and his wife and three children are with him,” she added.
International media reported that Iran launched retaliatory attacks on Israel on April 13, responding to Israel’s bombing of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus, Syria, on April 1.
On April 14, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that the Malaysian government is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East and its potential effects on financial markets.
“We believe it is crucial for all parties to prevent further escalation in the interest of global peace,” he said.
“A lasting solution cannot be achieved if the current violence does not cease immediately.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Utama Mohamad Hasan urged all involved parties to de-escalate tensions and work towards ending the conflict.
“The government calls for an immediate de-escalation to foster the necessary conditions for peace and to address the plight of the Palestinian people without broadening the conflict,” he said.
