KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to take immediate action to call on all parties to cease acts of violence amid clashes between Israel and Hamas in and around the Gaza Strip.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi noted that the wider Palestinian-Israeli conflict has claimed too many lives and caused injuries to thousands, Bernama reported.
“The international community should also increase pressure on all parties to take immediate action to stop the war for regional security and stability,” he said in parliament on Monday (Oct 9).
Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia remains open and will continue to support all concrete and realistic efforts to find a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on international law provisions and UNSC resolutions.
However, he also accused the international community, especially Western powers, of appearing to be indifferent to actions taken by Israel 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,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said that this selective approach had raised questions about fairness in the enforcement of international principles and laws.
He added that the Malaysian government’s foreign policy and stance in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has been clear and unwavering.
“The struggle to liberate the land and rights of the Palestinian people will remain a core priority of the Malaysian government’s foreign policy,” he said, as quoted by the Star.
Ahmad Zahid’s comments echoed a statement made by Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.
The ministry said Malaysia is “deeply concerned” by the loss of lives, and that the root cause of the conflict must be addressed.
“Palestinians have the legal right to live in a state of peace within its own internationally recognised borders, based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as well as their inalienable right to return to their homes and property from which they have been displaced,” the foreign ministry said.
“The United Nations Security Council must live up to its Charter-mandated responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.
“The Council should urgently convene an emergency session to demand all parties stop the violence as well as respect and protect the lives of innocent civilians.”
Source: Bernama/CNA/kg(gs)
