Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia has firmly opposed the proposal to annex Gaza, condemning it as a form of “ethnic cleansing” and a blatant violation of international law, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. In his national statement at the Extraordinary Session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers on Friday, Mohamad described the proposal to ‘take over’ Gaza as a violation of Article 17 of Protocol II of the Geneva Convention, which prohibits the forced relocation of civilians in occupied territories.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad emphasized Malaysia’s resolute stance against the proposal, which undermines international efforts to seek justice for the Palestinians and jeopardizes peace and regional stability. He highlighted that while a ceasefire allowed Palestinians to return home and receive aid, the full implementation of the second phase hangs in the balance due to deadlocked negotiations, with Israel exploiting the situation. The Foreign Minister noted that crucial supplies have been cut off, worsening hardships during the holy month of Ramadan.
Mohamad urged the OIC to condemn Israel’s actions and pressure it to allow urgent humanitarian aid into Gaza. He emphasized the obligation of the OIC and international community to ensure Israel’s compliance with ceasefire obligations, humanitarian aid facilitation, ceasefire agreement implementation, military operation cessation, and Gaza’s rebuilding.
Malaysia reiterated its commitment to securing Palestine’s recognition as a full United Nations member to enshrine its sovereignty and independence. Mohamad stated that recognizing Palestine is pivotal for lasting peace and addressing the humanitarian crisis, establishing administration, and supporting recovery and reconstruction in Gaza. He called on OIC members to prioritize international recognition of Palestine and intensify diplomatic efforts for its UN membership.
In advocating for political solutions, Malaysia remains committed to supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees and backing legal proceedings at the International Court of Justice to hold Israel accountable. As the Chair of ASEAN for 2025, Malaysia will continue to advocate for Palestinian rights and rally international support from the Non-Aligned Movement and the Commonwealth.
The Foreign Minister reaffirmed Malaysia’s support for Palestinian self-determination and an independent State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Meanwhile, Mohamad welcomed Syria’s reinstatement in the OIC, expressing hopes for positive changes through renewed dialogue.
Recently, during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump stated that the US would “take over the Gaza Strip” and suggested that Gaza could potentially become “the Riviera of the Middle East” under US control.