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STATEMENT

 

FOURTH COMMITTEE OF THE 80^TH SESSION OF

THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

 

ON THE GENERAL DEBATE ON

ITEM 49 – UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY FOR

 

Chair,

 

Malaysia reaffirms our unwavering support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and its indispensable role in providing essential services to the Palestinian people in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

 

2. While Malaysia welcomes the ceasefire agreement reached on 8 October 2025, we remain deeply concerned about the continuing challenges faced by the humanitarian operations on the ground, including excessive bureaucracy and lack of security. On 11 November, UNICEF reported that Israel blocked one million syringes needed to vaccinate children in Gaza. All humanitarian corridors into the Gaza Strip must remain open and accessible to facilitate the delivery of essential and lifesaving supplies at scale. This cannot be achieved if Israel continues to restrict UNRWA’s operation in Gaza.

 

3. The ICJ Advisory Opinion delivered on 22 October 2025 is unequivocal. Israel must fulfil its obligations under international humanitarian law to facilitate the relief efforts of the UN and its entities, particularly UNRWA. Under international human rights law, Israel is also obligated to protect and uphold the rights of the Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory including through allowing the presence and activities of UNRWA. The ICJ Advisory Opinion further reaffirms Israel’s obligation to ensure full respect for the inviolability of UNRWA premises.

 

4. The grave violations committed against the Palestinians to date must not be forgotten. Israel must be held accountable for its failure to comply with international law, international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

 

5. In this regard, Malaysia calls upon Israel to reverse its legislation banning UNRWA from operating in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The Commissioner-General of UNRWA has affirmed that UNRWA has sufficient expertise and capacity to address critical humanitarian needs effectively and at scale. The blockade against UNRWA must therefore be lifted immediately and unconditionally.

 

Chair,

 

6. Malaysia is appalled by the continuing settler violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. According to OCHA, over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since October 2023, including 215 children. OCHA also reported more than 260 cases of Israeli settler attacks in October alone, resulting in casualties and property damages. 

 

7. The violence in the West Bank did not occur in isolation. In 2024, UNRWA recorded a total of 1,224 operations by the Israeli security forces in Palestine refugee camps across the West Bank, causing over 200 deaths and extensive destruction of civilian property and infrastructure. Palestinian civilians have been forced to rely on unarmed civilian protections for their safety.

 

8. The intention behind this unlawful violence is clear. The occupying power seeks to forcibly displace Palestinians in order to expand illegal settlements and construct thousands of new housing units on the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Malaysia deeply regrets that the Israel’s parliament voted in October to impose control over the Occupied West Bank, a clear and flagrant violation of international law. 

 

Chair,

 

9. Malaysia’s commitment to UNRWA remains steadfast. Since October 2023, Malaysia has contributed a total of USD 5.7 million to support UNRWA’s vital work, including an additional USD 500,000 disbursed in August this year. Malaysia urges all Member States to uphold their responsibility to support UNRWA, and to ensure the unhindered delivery of essential humanitarian aid and operations.

 

10. As UNRWA’s mandate is set to expire in June 2026, Malaysia calls on Member States to support its extension until 30 June 2029. The continuation of UNRWA’s work is critical to ensuring the well-being, protection and human development of the Palestine refugees.

 

Chair

 

11. In closing, Malaysia reiterates its steadfast solidarity with the Palestinian people and unwavering support for UNRWA in fulfilling its humanitarian and developmental mandate. We call upon all Member States to stand united in safeguarding the Agency’s vital work, ensuring that it can continue to serve those most in need. We must act collectively and decisively to uphold international law, protect civilians, and advance a just and lasting peace for Palestine.

 

Thank you.