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STATEMENT BY

H.E. SYED MOHAMAD HASRIN AIDID

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA

TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

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

 

19 OCTOBER 2021, NEW YORK

 

____________________________________________________________

 

 

Mr. President,  

 

Thank you for convening this Open Debate. Malaysia aligns itself with the statements delivered by Niger on behalf of the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Azerbaijan on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Allow me to highlight several points in my national capacity:

 

• We heard time and again the expression of support by the international community for a two-state solution. Yet, it is regrettable that the Palestinian statehood is being denied, including its right to hold full membership status in this Organisation;

 

• We must remind ourselves that despite the absence of large-scale war, the Palestinians continue to live under brutal occupation and within a repressive blockade; their fundamental rights are denied while illegal settlements are being expanded;

 

• Israeli settlements are illegal under international law. Its systematic oppression of Palestinians and discriminatory policies are also tantamount to the crimes of apartheid. One cannot advocate human rights and condemn other injustices while at the same time ignoring Israeli atrocities towards the Palestinians. The Security Council must not turn a blind eye to this. It is high time for accountability;

 

• Malaysia reiterates its call for the Security Council to revisit the recommendation contained in the Secretary-General's report in 2018, A/ES-10/794, on the deployment of UN-mandated armed forces or unarmed observers to improve the protection of Palestinians.;

 

• President Abbas’s call for Israel to end its occupation within a year at the recent General Debate must be taken seriously. It is more urgent than ever for the Security Council, especially the Middle East Quartet, to restart and create the necessary condition for peace talks between the relevant parties. We must not rely on the status quo as there is no guarantee that a flood of bloodshed will not happen again; and

 

• Malaysia will not waiver in its commitment and support to 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;

 

Mr. President,

 

2.     While advocating for an urgent political and peaceful solution to the conflict, Malaysia also calls on the international community to support humanitarian efforts to ease the conditions of the Palestinian people, including through UNRWA. On 14 October 2021, Malaysia pledged USD1 million long-term contribution to UNRWA in support of predictable and sustainable funding of the Agency. In addition, we also announced additional bilateral contribution amounting to RM5 million for the rebuilding of a clinic in Gaza.

 

I thank you, Mr. President.