9-10-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) The Malaysian government has urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to take immediate action to bring an end to the escalating violence between Israel and Hamas in and around the Gaza Strip. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stressed that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has resulted in a high number of casualties and injuries, and called for increased international pressure to achieve regional security and stability. He made these remarks during a parliamentary session on Monday (Oct 9), as reported by Bernama.
Ahmad Zahid emphasized Malaysia’s commitment to supporting concrete and realistic efforts aimed at finding a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, based on international law provisions and UNSC resolutions. However, he criticized the perceived indifference of the international community, particularly Western powers, towards Israel’s actions against the Palestinian people.
“Why are there two different approaches? In the Ukraine crisis, for example, the Western powers swiftly provided support to Kyiv. Unfortunately, when it comes to Palestine, it is completely ignored,” Ahmad Zahid stated.
He raised questions about fairness in the enforcement of international principles and laws, highlighting the selective approach of certain countries. Nonetheless, he reiterated Malaysia’s unwavering stance on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and emphasized that the liberation of Palestinian land and rights will remain a core priority of the Malaysian government’s foreign policy, as quoted by the Star.
Ahmad Zahid’s comments echo a statement issued by Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday. The ministry expressed deep concern over the loss of lives and stressed the need to address the root causes of the conflict. It emphasized the Palestinians’ legal right to live in peace within internationally recognized borders, based on pre-1967 boundaries, with East Jerusalem as the capital, and their right to return to their homes and properties from which they have been displaced.
Furthermore, the ministry called on the UN Security Council to fulfill its Charter-mandated responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It urged the council to convene an emergency session urgently, demanding that all parties cease the violence and respect and protect the lives of innocent civilians.
