15-10-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) In the face of an impending humanitarian disaster in Gaza, Malaysia and Indonesia have emphasized the urgent need for an unimpeded humanitarian corridor into the region. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir discussed this matter with his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi during a phone call.
During their conversation, they also explored the potential role that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) could play in addressing the crisis. They also highlighted the upcoming Extraordinary Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as an opportunity to address the situation effectively.
In addition to the phone call with Indonesia, Minister Zambry reached out to his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Brunei’s Foreign Minister II via text messages to further discuss the issue.
Israel’s offensive in Gaza has drawn international condemnation, with numerous calls for an immediate halt to the violence. Since October 7, the Israeli regime has been responsible for the deaths of 2,215 people in Gaza, including 724 children and 458 women.
Adding to the dire situation, Israel has also cut off water and electricity supplies to Gaza, exacerbating the already severe humanitarian conditions in the blockaded enclave. With a population of nearly 2.2 million people, the Gaza Strip has been under a crippling Israeli siege since 2007.