KUALA LUMPUR (ANN/THE STAR) – Malaysia is playing a key role in drafting a United Nations resolution addressing the Israel-Palestine conflict, which could potentially seek to revoke Israel’s UN membership, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced.
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday, Anwar noted that the resolution also aims to obtain an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the presence and operations of international agencies in Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT).
“The Foreign Minister raised this matter at the recent meeting. This draft resolution is under negotiation, and we will examine whether Israel’s UN membership can be reconsidered due to violations of international law,” Anwar stated.
Anwar emphasised that Malaysia intends to rally support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), especially after Israel’s recent decision to ban its humanitarian activities in the OPT. UNRWA provides essential aid to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem, and neighboring countries.
On October 28, the Israeli Knesset passed legislation prohibiting UNRWA from operating in conflict zones under its jurisdiction, effectively cutting off vital support to the Palestinian population.
Anwar confirmed that he will present Malaysia’s position on these issues at the upcoming Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on November 11. “We aim to gain backing from Arab and Muslim nations to prevent Israel’s October 28 decision from worsening the humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza, where critical supplies have already been disrupted,” he said.
Malaysia plans to use the summit as a platform to advocate for a halt to Israel’s actions against Palestinians, including the destruction of worship sites in the OPT, incursions into Lebanon and Iran, and targeted attacks on leaders such as Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar. Anwar further highlighted that the summit could support ongoing ceasefire efforts led by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar.
“Malaysia’s engagement as a member of the Global Alliance is part of its commitment to increasing diplomatic pressure on Israel to implement a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, release Palestinian detainees, and ensure continued humanitarian aid,” Anwar added.
He concluded by stating that the summit will explore action plans and tangible steps to work toward Palestinian independence within a practical timeframe.
