The ban against Israeli shipping is widening. (Photo: GreenOak/Shutterstock)
Malaysia announced today (Wednesday) that it would be immediately barring Israeli ships, those hoisting an Israeli flag, or ships en route to Israel from docking in Malaysian ports, according to the Malaysian news site The Star.
Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that this decision was in response to what he called Israel's violation of international laws and its atrocities against the Palestinians, and he also expressed confidence that this move would not have any effect on Malaysian trade.
Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil went further, saying the decision sent a clear message not only of Malaysia's opposition to Israeli military actions but also its refusal to recognize Israel as a country.