STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY DATO’ SERI UTAMA HAJI MOHAMAD BIN HAJI HASAN MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF MALAYSIA AT THE CALL FOR ACTION URGENT HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE FOR GAZA” CONFERENCE DEAD SEA, JORDAN 11 JUNE 2024

STATEMENT BY

HIS EXCELLENCY DATO’ SERI UTAMA HAJI MOHAMAD BIN HAJI HASAN

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF MALAYSIA

AT THE CALL FOR ACTION

URGENT HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE FOR GAZA” CONFERENCE

DEAD SEA, JORDAN

11 JUNE 2024

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Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, and a very good afternoon.

Mr. Chairman,

1. Malaysia joins the previous speakers, in commending the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and the Arab Republic of Egypt, for their leadership on this crucial initiative.

2. We also thank Secretary-General Guterres for driving this humanitarian conference, and for his steadfast dedication to the Palestinian cause.

Excellencies,

3. The unbridled genocide, that is unfolding in Gaza, has indeed paralysed the urgently needed humanitarian response for Palestinians.

4. Until there is an effective and permanent ceasefire, and political solution, what we, the international community, could do, is to stand in solidarity with the Palestinians, and relieve their suffering.

5. Thus, the holding of today’s International Conference, is not only timely, but necessary.

Excellencies,

6. As we discuss humanitarian response for Gaza, we must also review prevailing challenges, lest, our efforts will be in vain.

7. Several conditions must be taken into account, to facilitate and ensure seamless flow of humanitarian assistance.

8. The brutal reality on the ground, is that there is still no guarantee for safe, secure, and unhindered delivery of aid. Israel airstrikes had not only struck Malaysia’s aid convoy, but had also demolished our distribution centre, resulting in the deaths of volunteers and the destruction of life-saving consignments.

9. These barbaric attacks did not, and will not deter Malaysia from its humanitarian commitments.

Excellencies,

10. In response to the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the Government of Malaysia, in collaboration with more than fifty national NGOs, has dispatched over five-thousand tonnes of vital aid to Gaza.

11. We will continue our humanitarian support, together with the UN and other partners. In doing so, we will take into account, the outcome of today’s deliberations by the respective Working Groups. Excellencies,

12. We all can agree, that it would be impossible for any immediate humanitarian response to materialize, in the absence of a permanent and effective ceasefire and political solution.

13. As a matter of principle, Malaysia has always been a strong advocate for peace and stability. We will stand in solidarity with any genuine effort that promotes peaceful settlement of conflict.

14. In this context, Malaysia welcomes the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution 2735, on the three-phase proposal, by the United States, yesterday.

15. All States and stakeholders, who wish to see a peaceful solution to the crimes against humanity and genocide, must amplify their voices, in supporting any sincere effort towards truce.

16. Earlier today, we also discussed extensively, about recovery and rebuilding of Gaza. The UN Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (PAPP) is still managing the removal of debris from the 2004 conflict. One could only imagine, how long it will take for the destruction from the ongoing crisis to be cleared.

17. Basic infrastructures are necessary to support a comprehensive implementation of humanitarian responses. As such, Malaysia calls upon all stakeholders, with the necessary resources and technology know-how, to join in the efforts of rebuilding Gaza.

Excellencies,

18. In the long run, successful and effective humanitarian response for Gaza is conditional upon the following three main elements:

First: We need a comprehensive humanitarian response, as well as recovery and reconstruction strategies that addresses the root causes, namely the denial of self-determination, and the prolonged Israeli illegal occupation and 3 atrocities. Palestine’s inherent right as a full member of the United Nations, must be realised.

Second: As the Occupying Power, Israel must be held accountable, through reparative approach, in rebuilding Gaza, and for the immense violations inflicted upon the Palestinians.

Third: We must reinforce the UN’s role in carrying out its humanitarian mandate. UNRWA must be empowered, supported and protected, to enable it to deliver humanitarian assistance, and immediate recovery in social infrastructures, including healthcare services and psycho-social support, and at scale.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

19. The conflict in Gaza has continued for far too long. Only through concerted international efforts, we can save Gaza. Let our dreams of a free Palestine live beyond today, and beyond the words that we say. The killings must stop now!

Thank you