STATEMENT BY

MR. SOFIAN AKMAL ABD. KARIM

DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE / CHARGÉ D'AFFAIRES AD INTERIM

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

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

 

 

Madam President,

 

We thank you for convening this debate, and the Chef de Cabinet for the Secretary-General’s briefing.  Malaysia aligns itself with the statements made by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

 

2. Israel’s brutal aggression against Palestinians in the Gaza strip, including the massacre at the al-Mawasi refugee camp, an area designated as a safe zone by Israel themselves, is yet another flagrant violation of the principle of humanity and international law. Malaysia condemns these acts of terror against innocent civilians.

 

3. The situation in the West Bank is equally of grave concern. Violence by Israeli illegal settlers has rapidly increased.  Thousands of Palestinians are being arbitrarily detained, with no avenue for legal recourse. We regret that Israel has denied the ICRC’s access to the Palestinian detainees.

 

4. Clear violations of international human rights and humanitarian laws, including war crimes and other crimes under international law, are being committed by Israel. There seems to be no end to the collective punishment being inflicted upon Palestinians.

 

Madam President,

 

5. Israel’s war in Gaza severely violates the legal obligations of distinction, proportionality, and adequate precautions.

 

6. Palestinians have been deliberately denied of humanitarian aid and supplies, including crucial basic necessities for survival.  Hospitals and civilian infrastructures have been destroyed. Humanitarian envoys and those who have been tirelessly aiding victims are also not spared from Israel’s brutality.  The humanitarian situation is indeed distressing.

 

7. We again call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, which would facilitate a surge of desperately needed humanitarian assistance.

 

8. In this context, UNRWA’s role is indispensable and irreplaceable.  Malaysia reaffirms its unwavering support towards UNRWA and call upon others to continue and upscale their contribution.

 

9. On our part, we have made additional financial contributions to help sustain the Agency’s operations, amounting to USD5.2 million. Malaysia’s commitment is further reflected through the Statement of Shared Commitments on UNRWA led by Jordan, Kuwait and Slovenia.

 

Madam President,

 

10. The war in Gaza is preceded by decades of violence and retribution, dispossession, unlawful occupation and denial of the Palestinians’ right to self-determination.  Entrenched impunity has emboldened Israel’s inhumane and illegal actions in the OPT, and the Occupying Power continues to defy international law and order.

 

11. The Security Council’s role remains more important now than ever. Inaction has severely eroded the trust and confidence in the Council’s mandate. Malaysia, therefore, reiterates its call for the Council to exercise its Charter-mandated responsibility, to end the killings of Palestinians. 

 

12. We call upon the Council to compel Israel to abide by the relevant UN resolutions including Resolution 2735 (2024), and the rulings of the International Court of Justice.

 

13. We urge all States to act in accordance with their international obligations under the Geneva Conventions, the Genocide Convention, international human rights treaties and take all measure to pressure Israel to stop its genocide in the Gaza Strip. This includes arms embargo comprising cessation of the sale, transfer and diversion of arms, munitions, and other military equipment to Israel.

 

14. Israel must be held accountable, including through reparative approach, in rebuilding Gaza, and for the immense violations inflicted upon the Palestinians. 

 

Madam President,

 

15. Malaysia stands in unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people.  The grave injustices forced upon them have persisted for far too long.

 

16. The United Nations has proven itself on a number of occasions that it is capable of ending atrocities against humanity, through collective and concerted efforts.   We must do the same for Palestine. We must work swiftly towards realising an independent and sovereign Palestinian State.

 

I thank you.