Malaysia's foreign minister on Sunday condemned "atrocities" in Gaza, saying they reflected "indifference and double standards" on the plight of the Palestinian people.

"They are a direct result of the erosion of the sanctity of international law," Mohamad Hasan told his counterparts from the regional Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc.

Mohamad's remarks, made ahead of Monday's ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, come as Israel intensifies its military campaign in Gaza this month.

The ongoing bombardment has sparked widespread international criticism, with growing calls to allow more humanitarian aid into the region after Israel only partially lifted a total blockade imposed on March 2.

"The atrocities committed against the Palestinian people continue to reflect indifference and double standards. ASEAN cannot remain silent," said Mohamad, whose country holds the rotating chairmanship of the bloc.

Foreign ministers from the 10-member association in February asserted their "longstanding support" for Palestinian rights.

Malaysia, a Muslim-majority country, does not have diplomatic ties with Israel, and public sentiment strongly supports the Palestinian cause.

Kuala Lumpur has channeled donations and humanitarian aid amounting to more than $10 million to Palestinians in Gaza since the conflict erupted in October 2023.

(With input from AFP)