Santiago was responding to US ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D Kagan’s recent interview with Malaysiakini, in which he discussed Washington’s approach to the Gaza conflict.

“The US has always done Israel’s bidding so it is not shocking to see Kagan talking about ‘Israel’s security’ despite the fact their tanks and artillery continue to kill children, women and civilians.

“Maybe the Jewish lobby money speaks a more powerful language than the destruction and deaths,” Santiago said.

He added that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory had always been violent with an International Court of Justice ruling on this. Many nations have also condemned the ongoing onslaught in Gaza and the West Bank, Santiago added in a statement.

“Kagan should know that conversations cannot start with Oct 7, but by looking at decades of massacres by Israeli forces.

“What does he have to say about Israel targeting schools and hospitals? Would he deny that too, as well as Israel’s gross violation of humanitarian law?”

The former DAP MP said no US President had been willing to stand up to the grotesque atrocities committed against Palestinians.

“The US has vetoed resolutions critical of Israel more than any other council member — 45 times as of Dec 18, 2023,” he said.

During the Thursday interview, Kagan said it was critical that Israel be part of ceasefire negotiations.

“No one is turning to countries that have a terrible relationship with Israel with an expectation that they would somehow help to reach a ceasefire, so I think the relationship we have is critical.

“It reflects a long-standing commitment to our shared values. While I appreciate people are critical of it, we believe this is the best way to achieve the objective of trying to maintain stability and peace, and trying to bring a ceasefire in Gaza,” he told the portal.