STATEMENT BY
HIS EXCELLENCY AMBASSADOR AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE 10th EMERGENCY SPECIAL SESSION OF THE
UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST INCLUDING THE PALESTINIAN QUESTION
31 OCTOBER 2023
Thank you, Mr. President, for convening this important Meeting. Malaysia together with a group of countries supported the request by the Arab Group and the OIC for the resumption of this Meeting.
2. Malaysia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Mauritania on behalf of the OIC.
3. We express our deepest condolences to the bereaved families who are mourning the loss of their loved ones in the horrific ongoing hostilities.
Mr. President,
4. The magnitude of atrocities inflicted upon the population of Gaza defies all rational comprehension and has shocked our human sensibilities to the core. For more than three weeks now, we have been witnessing indiscriminate bombings, the killing of civilians and the destruction of civilian objects and infrastructures. Sacrosanct principles of international law, including international human rights and humanitarian laws, continue to be violated.
5. There is absolutely no precaution, distinction or proportionality in Israel’s actions.
6. More than 8,000 civilians have been killed, including more than 3,000 innocent children. Around 70 percent of civilian fatalities in the ongoing act of collective punishment by Israel on the Gazan population, are of women and children.
7. Water and electricity have been cut off, and the supply of fuel has been banned. To say that Gaza is facing a humanitarian catastrophe is an understatement. It is effectively, a death sentence on the entire population.
8. Under the Geneva Conventions, attacks on civilians, hospitals, places of worship and other indispensable civilian infrastructure are unlawful and tantamount to war crimes.
9. Malaysia condemns the heinous and barbaric attacks on the civilian population of Gaza, 40 percent of whom are children. All civilian lives regardless of race, religion and nationality, must be protected.
10. We are also gravely concerned with the humanitarian calamity that continues to unfold.
11. Malaysia joins others in demanding for an immediate ceasefire. This is absolutely vital to stop further loss of life, and for necessary humanitarian work be carried out.
12. We call for the establishment of humanitarian corridors, as well as unhindered and unfettered humanitarian access, so that aid can reach those in need throughout Gaza, without any impediment.
13. The supply of electricity, water and fuel must be restored. These are all life-saving essentials.
14. Malaysia also condemns the black-out of communication services. Communication services are a life-line. Communication infrastructure and the right to communicate must always be protected.
15. 1.4 million, or 62 percent of Gaza population has been internally displaced. Malaysia categorically rejects actions of forcibly displacing the population of Gaza. It is a flagrant violation of international law. In fact, those who heeded the warning to evacuate to the south continue to fall victim to indiscriminate bombings. Many have died. No place is safe in Gaza at the moment.
16. The increasing settlers’ violence in the West Bank, which has led, and is leading to forcible transfer of Palestinians there, is also deeply concerning.
Mr. President,
17. We pay tribute to all humanitarian heroes who continue to serve in Gaza. We salute their courage and commitment. Their safety and protection must be guaranteed.
18. In the last 24 hours, three more UNRWA staff have been killed, bringing the total to 67, since the war began. We join others in mourning the 67 UNRWA staff. Malaysia has been a regular contributor to UNRWA. Noting the extremely dire humanitarian condition in Gaza at the moment, Malaysia has decided to allocate an additional emergency contribution to UNRWA.
19. We appreciate the important role of the United Nations, under the leadership of the Secretary General.
20. We also acknowledge the important roles played by countries in the region. Malaysia is ready to collaborate with all international partners to address the humanitarian needs of Gaza.
Mr. President,
21. Malaysia shares the widespread disappointment towards the Security Council, expressed by many Member States. The Security Council, the body entrusted with the maintenance of global peace and security, continues to be paralysed, due to politicisation based on narrow self-interests of some of its members. They continue to abuse their great responsibility and privilege, turning the Council into an arena for one-upmanship and blame game, instead of taking unified, swift and decisive action to stop the war and save civilian lives. Their actions have exposed their hypocrisy, selectivity and double standard.
22. The General Assembly has stepped up, where the Security Council has failed. We commend the 121 countries that had the courage to stand up for humanity and supported the resolution proposed by Jordan, co-sponsored by 46 countries including Malaysia. The adoption of the resolution is a sign that we in the United Nations, hear the resounding cry of people around the world, demanding an immediate end to the massacre of innocent lives in Gaza. The resolution is a breakthrough and carries great moral authority. It is the important first step taken here at the United Nations, bringing back a glimmer of hope, faith and trust in the multilateral process.
23. We call on the Security Council to respond to this General Assembly resolution, by taking prompt, unified and decisive actions. Further inaction means continue being complicit in the crimes against humanity committed by Israel in Gaza.
Mr President,
24. According to UNICEF, Gaza has become a graveyard for children. More than 420 children are being killed or injured in Gaza every day.
25. How many more children have to be orphaned, killed or maimed? How many more parents have to go through the ordeal of burying their innocent children? What more does it take for some, to wake up, open their eyes to the truth, and stand up for humanity? Be warned, history will judge.
26. More than half of the population of Gaza are children and youths. They deserve hope for their future, not gloom and despair.
27. Killing people will not kill their ideals. Wherever there is occupation and oppression, there is bound to be resistance.
28. As free nations, we must unite to end occupation, instead of perpetuating it. We must support the right to self-determination, instead of denying it.
29. The only way to attain peace and security for everybody in the region is by ending the illegal and oppressive occupation of Palestine. The vicious cycle of violence that its many generations have been enduring, must end. Malaysia remains resolute in its support for the self-determination of the Palestinian people through the establishment of a free and independent state of Palestine, in accordance with the two-state solution, based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Thank you.
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