Malaysian Prime Minister Mahthir Mohamad has stressed his government’s unyielding support for the Palestinian cause and people.

Reaching out to Hamas chief, Ismail Haneyya, by phone, Mohamad condemned the Israeli occupation as a criminal entity.

Mohamad vowed that Malaysia will forever stand by the Palestinians until they retrieve their inalienable rights.

Hamas chief Ismail Haneyya hailed Mahathir’s standpoint, which he said dovetails Malaysia’s historical pro-Palestine position.

Haneyya also lauded Malaysia’s position regarding occupied Al-Quds (Jerusalem), Palestinians’ right of return, and the oppressive Israeli siege on Gaza.

He further hailed Malaysia’s firm rebuff of normalization with the Israeli occupation and refusal to allow Israeli athletes into the country.

Addressing the United Nations, Mahathir Mohamad leveled heavy criticism at Israel, an entity which he said does not abide by international laws and continues its illegal settlement activity across the occupied Palestinian territories. Mohamed dubbed Israel “a criminal entity” and said Israelis are “unwelcome” in Malaysia. 

Malaysia has reiterated that it will not permit Israeli athletes hoping to compete in the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships in Kuching, Borneo, to enter the country. 

The event runs from July 29 to Aug. 4, and is one of the qualifying events for the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.

“We will not allow them (to enter). If they come, then it is an offense,” Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad told reporters a couple of weeks ago. 

Despite mounting pressure from the International Paralympic Committee and the Israeli Olympic Committee, Malaysia is holding firm in its stance. “If they want to withdraw the championship hosting rights from Malaysia, then they can try to do so,” Mahathir said.