Malaysia to champion Palestinian rights as Asean Chair, says Mohamad Hasan

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will use its position as the Asean chair to continue to advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people in their enduring struggle for peace, justice, and freedom, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

He said Malaysia will continue its efforts to garner international support from the Non-Aligned Movement and the Commonwealth.

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“It is the duty of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the international community to ensure that Israel complies with its ceasefire obligations, allowing the continued supply of humanitarian aid into Gaza,” he said.

“This will enable the implementation of the subsequent phases of the ceasefire agreement, demand the cessation of military operations, and call for the rebuilding and reconstruction of Gaza,” added Mohamad.

He said that the process of rebuilding Gaza is said to take decades, with an estimated cost of USD80bil.

“Malaysia embraces the reconstruction plan, which received resounding endorsement during the Extraordinary Arab League Summit. Every contribution, be it financial, technical, or diplomatic, is crucial to restoring Palestinian lives,” added Mohamad.

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He then said that Malaysia will be co-chairing the Fourth Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development.

“We will use the meeting to underscore the importance of facilitating contributions towards Palestine’s development,” he added in his statement during the Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers on Friday (March 7).

He said long-term and permanent peace can only be achieved once Palestine is fully recognised and obtains full membership in the United Nations, as it would enshrine Palestine’s sovereignty and independence.

“The recognition of the state of Palestine is essential when addressing the pressing humanitarian crisis, establishing a functioning administration, and garnering international support to implement recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

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“I urge the OIC and its member states to prioritise the international recognition of the state of Palestine as a primary goal.

“We must intensify our strategic lobbying efforts and actively participate in ongoing diplomatic initiatives, like the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.

“This will exert international pressure to expedite Palestine’s path to becoming a full member of the United Nations,” he said.

Mohamad Hasan said finding a lasting resolution requires an unprecedented show of unity from the OIC members and the international community.

“We urge everyone to come together to end Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian territory and help rebuild Gaza for the safe return of Palestinians,” he said.

Mohamad Hasan said Malaysia welcomes the move to restore Syria’s membership in the OIC as well.

“We look forward to the positive changes that will come from renewing dialogue with our Syrian brothers and sisters,” he said.