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STATEMENT BY

MR. MOHD HAFIZ OTHMAN, MINISTER COUNSELLOR

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA

TO THE UNITED NATIONS

AT THE SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST, INCLUDING THE PALESTINIAN QUESTION

26 JULY 2022, NEW YORK

 

Mr. President,  

 

Thank you for convening this Open Debate. Malaysia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Azerbaijan on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). I wish to add several points in my national capacity.

 

Mr. President,

 

2.   We have repeatedly heard the expression of support by the international community, including by this Security Council for a two-state solution. Yet, the Palestinians’ right to hold full membership status in this Organisation has been denied, coupled with the lack of progress towards realising a two-state solution.

 

3.     We have also heard today that Palestinians' human dignity continued to be violated in every sense with impunity. Israel continues to practice extra-judicial killings, torture and killing of children, collective punishment, attacks on human rights defenders and the press, in addition to illegal settlements, home demolitions, and evictions.

 

4.     The culture of impunity begets further human rights violations. One cannot advocate for respect for human rights, rules-based order, and the UN Charter while at the same time ignoring atrocities toward the Palestinians. It is abundantly clear that Israel’s systematic oppression and discriminatory policies against the Palestinian people are tantamount to the crimes of apartheid. This has been confirmed by the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Palestinian Territory in his report March this year and by various international human rights organisations.

 

Mr. President,

 

5.     All conflicts must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with the UN Charter and international law. This Security Council, in particular, is obligated to maintain international peace and security. Yet, we see that the same strength of attention and action was not accorded to Palestine's decades-long struggle in resisting Israel's foreign occupation. We urge the Security Council, especially the Middle East Quartet, to galvanise efforts and create the necessary condition for peace talks with the relevant parties.

 

6.     The inaction of the Security Council to urgently address the conflict will only further embolden the oppressor. It is high time for accountability. We also call on all Member States to respect and implement relevant UN resolutions to ensure that Israel is accountable for its crime and human rights violations.

 

Mr. President,

 

7.     Malaysia remains committed to support the Palestinian people in realising their inalienable rights to self-determination and independence. Our position is clear – only a negotiated political settlement of a two-state solution can create sustainable peace, based on internationally agreed parameters, international law, and relevant UN resolutions. We will also continue to provide financial support to UNRWA.

 

Mr. President,

 

8.     The credibility of the Security Council rests upon its collective ability to address all conflicts, including the existence of threats to peace or acts of aggression. Let me conclude by reiterating the urgency for the Security Council to end the foreign occupation by Israel and to work towards a peaceful solution to the conflict.

 

I thank you, Mr. President.