PM EXTENDS GREETING ON PALESTINE'S INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SOLIDARITY

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Razak extended the
country's greetings to Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian
people, in conjunction with the country's International Day of Solidarity with
the Palestine People Monday.

In his message, Najib said that it was unfortunate that after more than 40
years, the international community had still not found an amicable solution to
the conflict in Palestine.

"For far too long, we have witnessed a rise in the tide of hope for peace in
the Middle East, only to have our hopes dashed in the face of Israeli violence.

"The Israeli indiscriminate attacks killed more than 1,400 Palestinians and
severely injured 5,000 more. Yet again, many of these victims were innocent
children and women," he said.

The prime minister said Israel's continuous blockade at borders restricted
the delivery of essential goods, persons and construction materials to
vulnerable groups in Gaza.

This blockade constitutes a form of collective punishment, which is strictly
forbidden by international law, he added.

"Israel must recognise itself for what it is -- the source of conflict in
the Middle East.

"The Palestinian people can count on Malaysia's continuous strong support in
their efforts to create an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, with
East Jurusalem as its capital and in their quest to achieve a just solution to
their predicament," he said.
-- BERNAMA