02 Dec 2021; MEMO: Hamas yesterday welcomed Malaysia's anti-normalisation stance, a statement posted on the movement's website said.
"Hamas hails Malaysia's genuine stance of rejecting all forms of normalisation with the Zionist enemy, and the latest was refusing the entry of a Zionist sports team to its land," the statement said.
An Israeli team who intended to participate in the Men's World Team Squash Championship was denied entry to Malaysia ahead of the 7 December tournament.
Consequently, the International Squash Committee canceled Malaysia's right to host the tournament.
"Hamas regrets this counterproductive measure," the statement said, pointing out that all countries should follow the footsteps of Malaysia regarding the treatment of Israel.
Hamas lauded Malaysia's historic commitment to opposing all forms of normalisation with the Israeli occupation, noting that this happened "repeatedly in recent years."
"We reiterate our solidarity with Malaysia's right to host this tournament and other international events without having to accept Zionist delegations," the statement said.
Highlighting the continuous Israeli crimes against Palestinians, including attacks on their land, people and holy sites, as well as the "intentional Israeli targeting of Palestinian sports", the statement added: "The criminal Zionist entity does not deserve to participate in international forums … it should be held accountable for its crimes in all fields."
