MALAYSIA welcomes the move to restore Syria’s membership, in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
We look forward to the positive changes that will come, from renewing dialogue with our Syrian brothers and sisters.
It is a blessing for the entire ummah, when Muslim communities and nations can work together as we do.
Yet we must not forget, that there are storm clouds on the horizon, still, for many of our brothers and sisters.
Gaza stands in stark desolation. The air is heavy with sorrow, as its people endure continuous suffering.
The barbaric 15-month Israeli siege on Gaza, has killed over 49,000 Palestinians.
The once bustling streets of Gaza, now lie buried beneath forty-two million tonnes of debris.
More than 600,000 Palestinians have been forced out of their homes.
A testament to the brutality of the Israel regime; the anguish and despair felt by displaced Palestinians, are at this moment, further compounded by the illegal blockade of international humanitarian aid.
While the ceasefire, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S., successfully allowed for Palestinians to return home, and to receive much-needed aid; the full implementation of the second phase, unfortunately hangs in the balance, as negotiations by the participating parties are in a deadlock.
Israel has wasted no time in exploiting this predicament. Crucial supplies have been cut off – further worsening the hardships faced by the Palestinians, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
It is imperative for the OIC, as a collective voice of the ummah within the international community, to speak up and condemn these crimes.
We must collectively exert pressure on Israel, and insist that the flow of humanitarian aid be allowed into Gaza, without delay.
We must also address some recent political ambitions pertaining to Gaza, which are nothing more than further demonstrations of cruelty and inhumanity.
The proposal to “take over” Gaza, describes a form of ethnic cleansing.
This annexation of Gaza, and the forced relocation of 2 million Palestinians, highlights a blatant breach of international law, specifically Article 17 of Protocol II of the Geneva Convention.
Malaysia is resolute in our stance against this distressing proposal – one that completely undermines all international pursuits of justice for the Palestinians, and further jeopardises peace and regional stability.
It is the duty of the OIC, and the international community, to ensure that Israel complies with its ceasefire obligations, which are to allow the continuing supply of humanitarian aid into Gaza, to enable the implementation of the subsequent phases of the ceasefire agreement, to demand the cessation of military operations, and to call for for the rebuilding and reconstruction of Gaza.
The process of rebuilding Gaza is said to take decades, with an estimated figure of 80 billion US dollars. In light of this, Malaysia embraces the reconstruction plan, that received resounding endorsement during the Extraordinary Arab League Summit. Every contribution—financial, technical, or diplomatic—is crucial to restoring Palestinians’ lives.
In this aspect, Malaysia has been requested by Japan to co-chair the Fourth Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD IV).
Having said yes, Malaysia intends to leverage this meeting, to underscore the importance of facilitating meaningful and substantial contributions towards Palestine’s development.
To ensure the success of Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza, it is crucial to lay the groundwork for enduring peace and bring an end to the hostilities committed by Israel.
True, long-term and permanent peace can only be achieved once the Palestine state is fully recognised and obtains full membership in the United Nations that would enshrine Palestine’s sovereignty and independence.
The recognition of the state of Palestine is not only a pivotal cornerstone for lasting peace, but also essential in addressing the pressing humanitarian crisis, the establishment of a functioning administration and garnering international support to implement recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
Therefore, I urge the OIC and its member states to prioritise the international recognition of the state of Palestine as a primary goal. To do so, we must intensify our strategic lobbying efforts and actively participate in ongoing diplomatic
initiatives, such as the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, to exert international pressure that would expedite Palestine path to becoming a full member of the United Nations.
We must continue to support UNRWA, in its tireless efforts to provide Palestinian refugees with relief and essential services, such as food, healthcare, education, and protection.
In line with this, Malaysia, a core group member of UNGA Resolution 79/232, will support the legal proceedings of the International Court of Justice.
As the Chair of ASEAN for 2025, Malaysia will continue to advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people in their enduring struggle for peace, justice and freedom.
Malaysia will also continue its efforts in garnering international support from the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Commonwealth.
This catastrophe in Gaza did not start at the tail end of 2023. It is the latest of a series of unfortunate events, starting from the 1948 Nakba, and the illegal occupation that followed the 1967 war. The international community has allowed these crimes to be committed, for 77 years.
Finding a lasting resolution for this requires an unprecedented show of unity from the OIC members and the international community.
Malaysia urges for all to come together, in ending Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian territory, and rebuilding Gaza for the safe return of Palestinians.
I reiterate Malaysia’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s fundamental right to self-determination, and the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its Capital. – March 8, 2025
This is an edited version of a speech delivered by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan at the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) today.