AMPANG – Malaysia will keep its eye on the situation in war-torn Gaza, following the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) decision in the genocide case brought by South Africa against the Israeli government.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that while the ICJ’s decision does not fully side with Palestine, the verdict has made clear the world court’s stance on the ongoing conflict in Palestine.
“At least the ICJ’s stance condemning and urging a stop to the attacks (against Palestine) while calling for immediate humanitarian aid is clear,” Anwar told reporters after attending the Zoo Negara 60th anniversary celebration here today.
“Malaysia will continue to monitor the situation, as stated by our Foreign Minister (Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan) at the recent United Nations Security Council open debate.”
Earlier today, Wisma Putra said that the ruling by the Hague court vindicates Malaysia’s position in calling for Israel to be held accountable for the atrocities, crimes against humanity and genocide committed against Palestinians.
The ministry also reiterated Malaysia’s call for Palestine to be admitted as a full member of the UN and to recognise the state of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Yesterday, the ICJ instructed Israel to take all necessary actions within its capacity to prevent acts of genocide during its conflict with Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.
The court also ruled that Israel must ensure its forces stop committing genocide and must also take steps to enhance the humanitarian conditions for Palestinians in Gaza.
Although the court did not make a definitive ruling on whether genocide has occurred in Gaza, it acknowledged the right of Palestinians in the region to be protected from such acts.
South Africa had brought the case to the ICJ, seeking an immediate cessation of Israel’s military operation, which has resulted in substantial damage to Gaza and the reported deaths of over 25,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.
The court, however, did not grant this request.
At least 26,083 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, mostly women and children, and 64,487 injured, according to Palestinian health authorities.
On the Israeli side, 1,200 were killed in the Hamas attacks on that date, and 240 were taken hostage. – January 27, 2024