Malaysia called Thursday for a United Nations force to halt Israeli "atrocities" against Palestinians, saying it was willing to provide troops.
Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar described the Palestinian Intifada as a struggle against a powerful regular army by ordinary people trying to overcome "the injustices and atrocities committed by Israel."
"In order to avoid further violence, how could you justify shooting children and women in the head ... when you are facing stone throwers?" he told a press conference.
"We thought that type of atrocity, that type of criminal activities against humanity, should be stopped. The best way is to have an international force."
Syed Hamid urged the United Statess Israel's strongest supporter, to agree to an international force. Israel strongly opposes any outside intervention in the unrest in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said Monday Malaysia was prepared to take part in any UN operations to protect Palestinians.
He was speaking on the sidelines of an Organization of the Islamic Conference summit in Doha.
Malaysia is a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat has paid several visits to Jakarta (AFP).
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
