KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 — Malaysia has prepared a draft resolution of the United Nations General Assembly (UN) proposing, among others, that Israel be removed as a member of the organisation if it violates laws, rules and decisions in issues involving Palestine.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told the Dewan Rakyat today that the draft resolution is in the negotiation process and is expected to be tabled at the UN General Assembly for approval soon.
“On October 31, 2024, Malaysia joined the Core Group to prepare a draft resolution of the UN General Assembly requesting an Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding Israel’s obligation to allow UN activities and presence.
“… agencies under the UN, international organisations, and third countries operating in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), with activities carried out with the consent of the Palestinian government for the benefit of the local population,” he said.
He said that once approved, the resolution is expected to serve as a legal basis for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to continue providing essential services, such as education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid, benefiting over six million Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.
Anwar said for 75 years, the UNRWA has been the main lifeline for channelling international aid to the people of Palestine.
He added that Malaysia fully supports the crucial role of the UNRWA in Palestine, emphasising the need for increased assistance, collaboration, and coordination.
“Malaysia’s continued support for the UNRWA is quite critical and we received appreciation from UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini, who conveyed this to the Foreign Minister (Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan) at the previous UN session and requested for this collaboration to be enhanced,” he said.
The prime minister said it has been a year since Israel carried out genocide in Gaza and, as of November 1, the conflict in the region has resulted in the death of 43,204 Palestinians, including 16,500 children.
“A total of 101,641 Palestinians have been reported to be injured, while 11,000 others reported missing. On average, 118 Palestinians have been killed and 277 injured daily since October 2023.
“The situation in Gaza, unfortunately, remains critical due to the ongoing violence that continues unabated and with impunity, and with the direct and indirect support from countries allied to Israel,” he said.
— Bernama
