KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad referred today to the United States and Britain as warmongers, and pointed out the world was too scared to notice Israel's “orgy of slaughter”.
Dr Mahathir, who is also Perdana Global Peace Organisation (PGPO) chairman, called for the exposure of the “distortion of truth” during the international conference on Gaza, “Breaking the Siege in the Spirit of Rachel Corrie and Mavi Marmara.
On May 31, the Israeli military boarded Mavi Marmara, the lead ship of the humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza and killed nine activists and injured about a dozen more.
Twelve Malaysians were on board among more than 550 others.
The MV Rachel Currie, a cargo ship was also seized by the Israeli military while it was in international waters headed for Gaza in early June.
PGPO funded two passenger ships and the MV Rachel Corrie.
There were six Malaysians on board MV Rachel Corrie, the ship named after a young American activist.
“We must be vigilant and prepare to resist any attempts by those war mongers,” Dr Mahathir said, referring to the Obama administration and former British prime minister, Tony Blair.
“It comes as no surprise that President Obama expressed regret instead of condemnation on the incidents,” Dr. Mahathir said citing the relationship between Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“Israel considers herself above international laws.
“Now that Iran and Saddam Hussein are disposed of, the targets have moved to Jordan and Syria,” he said.
On 17 June, Israel announced that it would “liberalise” the blockade of the Gaza Strip for civilian goods.
According to reports, Israeli authorities will allow more civilian goods to enter, including all food items, toys, stationery, kitchen utensils, mattresses and towels. Construction materials for civilian projects will be allowed in under international supervision.
Dr Mahathir was not convinced that the ease on the blockade was based on the benefit of Palestinians.
“Israel must take us for fools for believing in her lies,” he said. “Israel has succeeded in destroying Iraq,” he said, saying Iran was next.
The strip has been under a heightened Israeli blockade since the militant group Hamas seized control in June 2007. The blockade has been widely described as “collective punishment” resulting in a humanitarian crisis.
Dr Mahathir quoted Don Weisglass, an Israeli lawyer and businessman who has been closely linked with the Middle East peace process, on the blockade.
“The idea is to put the Palestinians on a diet, but not to make them die of hunger.
“Mavi Marmara and the Rachel Corrie have shown the way. NGOs and volunteers have cleared the path.
“We must send a message of hope and solidarity to the Palestinians. We will never abandon them, come what may,” pledged Dr Mahathir.
