Malaysia urges world to prevent ethnic cleansing in Gaza and establish humanitarian corridor

17 October 2023

By Wartawan Nabalu News

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has called on the international community to take decisive action to prevent ethnic cleansing and the expulsion of more than one million Palestinians in Gaza, and to support the immediate establishment of a humanitarian corridor to deliver essential aid to the besieged territory.

Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, made the appeal in a statement at the Parliament during the Ministerial Question Time (MQT) on Tuesday, where he reiterated Malaysia’s firm and principled position on the issue of Palestine-Israel conflict and called for immediate cessation of hostilities.

He also condemned unreservedly all forms of killings of women, children and civilians by any party, and expressed disappointment to see the mismatch between the plight and suffering of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza with the deafening silence and conspicuous inaction of many countries that are known to be strong advocates of human rights.

"The Gaza Strip has been transformed under the Israel’s apartheid regime into a large concentration camp for millions of Palestinians who are deprived of their most basic rights to a decent life," he said.

He added that Malaysia reserves the right to continue and engage with any party, including the political wing of Hamas, to find an immediate solution to the current crisis.

“Malaysia strongly supports the calls for a humanitarian corridor through the Rafah-Gaza crossing checkpoints to allow delivery of essential aid items, especially in the form of food and medicine, to alleviate the suffering of those in need, affected by the current conflict,” he added.

Anwar stressed that Malaysia is ready to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to the affected people in Gaza and anticipates more contributions from numerous groups participating in active and coordinated efforts, including those undertaken by the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private individuals.

He also urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to fulfil its Charter-mandated responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, and backed the United Nations Secretary-General's (UNSG) call to rescind the order to evacuate Gaza immediately.

"Malaysia stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people in their struggle for freedom, justice and dignity," he said.