Malaysia to reinforce support for Palestine at the UN

PUTRAJAYA - Malaysia continues to reinforce its support for Palestine and its people who are currently under attack by the Zionist regime.

The Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) announced that Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan would lead the Malaysian delegation to the Ministerial Open Debate at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) regarding the situation in the Middle East, including the issue of Palestine, in New York, United States on Tuesday.

He will reiterate Malaysia's call for an immediate ceasefire, oppose the continued forced displacement of the Palestinian people and emphasise the importance of unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip.

"Malaysia will urge Israel to be accountable for its blatant violations of international law," said the ministry in a statement on Monday.

According to Wisma Putra, Mohamad would also propose the formal recognition of Palestine as a full member of the UN to advance their absolute right to self-determination, independence and sovereignty that has long been denied, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital.

"He is scheduled to meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and express Malaysia's support for the latest call to expedite, safely, comprehensively, continuously, and unimpeded, the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

“Malaysia also expressessupport for Sigrid Kaag in her role as the new Humanitarian Coordinator and Rebuilding Coordinator for Gaza," it said.

Wisma Putra added that Malaysia acknowledged multilateral efforts aimed at continuous attention to the situation in Palestine.

"In support of the Malaysian people's voice for Palestine, he will also present special postcards from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Cabinet Members to Antonio," it said.

In addition to diplomatic efforts, Malaysia was also involved in legal actions at the international level regarding the Palestinian issue.

Mohamad would then lead the Malaysian delegation to the Public Hearings Session to seek the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the legal consequences arising from Israel's policies and ongoing violations against the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, scheduled to be held at the Peace Palace, The Hague, Netherlands, starting from February 19.

Malaysia is expected to deliver a Verbal Statement on Feb 22.

Previously, Malaysia submitted a Written Statement on July 25 last year to the ICJ, focusing on the violation of the Palestinians' right to self-determination by Israel.

The process of seeking the Advisory Opinion of the ICJ follows Resolution 77/247 of the United Nations General Assembly, which was adopted on December 30, 2022, and co-sponsored by Malaysia.

"Malaysia fully supports the legal actions brought by South Africa against Israel concerning violations of its responsibilities under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide 1948.

"Malaysia is exploring available options to support this case further, with Malaysia determined to use all platforms to support Palestine, end the atrocities in Gaza and bring Israel to justice," it said.