SHAH ALAM - The United States (US) has consistently backed Israel as a dominant force in the Middle East since its founding.
Palestinian Ambassador to Malaysia Walid Abu Ali said influential Jewish lobbies in the US played a crucial role in ensuring ongoing American backing for Israel, grounded in the belief that Israel safeguarded US interests in the region.
He said this pushed the US to maintain Israel’s superpower status, irrespective of its relations with Arab and Muslim nations.
"Since Israel's creation, the US has unfortunately chosen to keep Israel as a superpower in the Middle East.
"We are all aware of how influential Jewish lobbies are in the US.
"Through their power and influence, they compel the American administration to continue supporting Israel, believing that Israel protects their interests in the region," he said during The Palestinian Diaries: A Day of Culture, Stories & Solidarity event organised by Sinar Daily at the Karangkraf Complex, here, yesterday.
He said this belief was the foundation of the US' strategy to uphold Israel's dominance, even with its alliances with various Arab and Muslim nations.
Walid highlighted the significance of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) resolution, saying that although it may appear theoretical, it has made clear to the global community that Israeli leaders responsible for the killing of Palestinians must be held accountable.
He said for the resolution to have any real impact, it required the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the Security Council (UNSC) to convert it into concrete actions.
He also voiced his frustration over the countless resolutions favouring Palestine that have remained unimplemented due to the persistent use of the US veto at the UNSC and UNGA.
"This resolution can be effective if UNGA and UNSC interpret this resolution into action.
"Without that, it would be just words and we have experienced so many resolutions in favour of Palestine which have never been implemented because it is always being countered by the American veto," he said.
Walid also criticised what he perceived as a double standard in the international community's response to conflicts, comparing the quick sanctions imposed on Russia for invading Ukraine to the decades of silence on Israel's atrocities in Palestine.
"We have been struggling for seven and a half decades and unfortunately the international community is keeping silent.
"For how long will Israel continue to be a superpower and they will abuse and violate international law? For how long will Israel continue to do what they are doing?," he added.
He urged the international community to stop Israel's genocide and massacre against innocent Palestinians and uphold justice as well as the international law.
He highlighted the strong diplomatic ties Palestinians have established with countries such as Russia and North Korea, along with their recognition by more than 149 nations at the UNGA.
Despite these alliances, he said Palestinian efforts often fell short as the US veto consistently blocked any resolutions in support of Palestinian rights at the UNSC.
He said the time has come for the US to re-evaluate its interests and alliances in the Middle East, warning that failure to recognise Palestinian rights will only perpetuate instability in the region, ultimately affecting US interests.
Walid said he also believed that a shift in US policy towards a fair acknowledgment of Palestinian rights was essential for long-term stability in the Middle East.
According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, ongoing Israeli strikes and ground operations have killed more than 41,000 Palestinians, including more than 16,750 children.