ISTANBUL

Malaysia said on Wednesday that having relations with both China and the US is "strategically important" for the economic and national interests of the country.

“Malaysia will continue to strengthen comprehensive relations with both countries without being pressured to align with any bloc or party,” Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said.

“Malaysia consistently adheres to diplomatic channels as the best mechanism for resolving any conflicts,” Ibrahim said during a public lecture at the University of California, Berkeley, according to a statement posted on his official account on X.

Concerning Israel’s ongoing intensified attacks on the Gaza Strip, he said: “Similarly, we strongly condemn the bombing of civilians, homes, and hospitals, as well as the relentless atrocities against innocent lives, children, and women in Gaza.”

“Malaysia views the situation in Gaza as a crisis of indiscriminate massacre in the name of ‘combatting terrorism’ by the Zionist regime of Israel,” he added.

As the Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip entered its 40th day, at least 11,320 Palestinians have been killed, including over 7,800 women and children, and more than 29,200 others have been injured, according to the latest figures from Palestinian authorities.

Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques, and churches, have also been damaged or destroyed in Israel's relentless air and ground attacks on the besieged enclave since last month.

The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, is around 1,200, according to official figures.