Malaysia’s education ministry has withdrawn from participating in the Frankfurt Book Fair, accusing the organisers of taking a pro-Israel stance amid growing global divisions over the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.

The move by Malaysia to pull out of what is considered the world’s largest trade fair for books came after literary association Litprom said it would postpone an award ceremony for a novel by a Palestinian author at the event following the deadly Oct. 7 attack by militant group Hamas in Israel.

The fair’s organiser also said on Facebook it would be making Jewish and Israeli voices “especially visible” at this year’s edition.

In a statement late on Monday, Malaysia’s education ministry said that “the ministry will not compromise with Israel’s violence in Palestine, which violates international laws and human rights.

“The decision (to withdraw) is in line with the government’s stand to be in solidarity and offer full support for Palestine.”

Malaysia has long supported the Palestinian cause, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim saying he did not agree with Western pressure to condemn Hamas.

On Tuesday, Mr Anwar called for an immediate end to bombardment in Gaza and establishing a humanitarian corridor, following a phone conversation with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

(Reuters/NAN)