KUALA LUMPUR – The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has again been urged to take immediate action to de-escalate the ongoing clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian fighters in and around the Gaza Strip, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (Bagan Datuk-BN).
In his ministerial statement in Dewan Rakyat today, Zahid added that Malaysia would remain committed to supporting finding a fair solution to the conflict.
“Malaysia is worried about the growing tensions in Palestine that have taken thousands of innocent lives, escalating injuries and causing extensive property damage.
“UNSC needs to take immediate action to urge all parties to stop the violence and the war to protect the lives of civilians.”
He also reiterated that Malaysia remains committed to restoring the absolute rights of Palestine and freeing it from Israel’s illegal occupation.
“Malaysia has joined other countries to submit a written statement to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on July 25, this year regarding the occupation, illegal settlement, and annexation Israel extended over the Palestinian territories since 1967.
“Other than support from the government, we also help to channel the humanitarian donation collected from the public.”
Zahid also condemned the storming of Al-Aqsa mosque, saying it is proof of the Israeli’s blatant disregard for the sanctity of other religions.
Yesterday, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that more than 123,000 Palestinians have been forced to flee their homes in the Gaza Strip as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict escalates.
“As of 9pm, 123,538 Palestinians had been displaced in Gaza.”
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, meanwhile, has also urged the UNSC to convene an emergency session to de-escalate the ongoing clashes in the Gaza Strip, calling on the international community to cease all one-sided actions perpetuating cruelty and oppression against the Palestinians.
The surge in violence followed a surprise attack by Hamas on Saturday, involving dozens of fighters infiltrating an Israeli city near the coastal enclave amid intense rocket fire. The aim of its Operation Al-Aqsa Flood is to put an end to Israeli “violations”.
In turn, the Israeli army initiated Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said we are “at war”.
Palestine’s Health Ministry said the death toll from the Israeli bombings in the Gaza Strip has risen to 413, including 78 children and 41 women. – October 9, 2023