STATEMENT : UNITED NATIONS QUARTERLY OPEN DEBATE ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST, INCLUDING THE PALESTINIAN QUESTION

STATEMENT BY

H.E. MR. AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

AT THE UNITED NATIONS QUARTERLY OPEN DEBATE ON

THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST, INCLUDING THE PALESTINIAN QUESTION

President,

Thank you for convening this debate. We also thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing. Malaysia aligns itself with the statements of the NAM and the OIC.

President,

2.         For over a year, since the start of the war in Gaza, the Security Council has convened multiple times and heard many stark warnings.

3.         The Council has heard about;

• the disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force by Israel,
• the high number of civilian casualties, the large majority of whom are women and children,
• the unprecedented high number of deaths among United Nations (UN) officials, humanitarian and health workers, as well as media personnel,
• the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals,
• the obstructions to humanitarian aid, and the extremely desperate humanitarian situation,
• the systematic attacks, intimidation and harassment of UNRWA, and other UN entities and officials,
• the use of starvation as a weapon of war,
• the clear and extensive violations of international law, including international humanitarian law.

4.         And yet, here we are again, repeating the same and seem nowhere near to finding a solution.  As highlighted by Mr. Wennesland this morning, the condition in Gaza has worsened to the point that “defies imagination”.  And yesterday, Israel’s Parliament voted to ban UNRWA – the backbone for humanitarian responses and other essential services for Palestinian refugees.  Malaysia strongly condemns this decision.  If implemented, it would bring the already catastrophic humanitarian condition in Gaza to near apocalyptic situation.  Meanwhile, tensions continue to escalate and the war has expanded into a wider, regional war.

President,

5.         Surely, we can all see how we have come to this.   It is the impunity that Israel has enjoyed that has brought us to this disastrous situation.  Despite the demands made by the overwhelming majority of Member States at the General Assembly, as well as the Orders and Opinions from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), this Council has remained incapable of discharging its duty.

6.         What more does this Council need to hear before it can find the courage, be united and finally take decisive actions to uphold the United Nations (UN) Charter and international law? What further evidence need to be presented, for the Council to act to end Israel’s impunity, stop the genocidal war in Gaza and prevent further escalation of tensions in the region? How many more innocent lives – women and children, have to be the so-called ‘collateral’, in this senseless war – a war that is being orchestrated and perpetrated by a callous and irresponsible leader, motivated by his own political survival?  This Council must seriously reflect on its position, and see that enough, is enough. 

President,

7.         The consequences of the Council’s further inaction can be disastrous to the whole world.  The international rules-based system which the global community has painstakingly built since the end of the last Great War, is being undermined.  And the failure of the United Nations to bring a timely and just resolution to the question of Palestine is one of the major causes of this unravelling.  Israel, the occupying power, has been openly defying the United Nations and international law for decades. Over time, it has grown bolder in its defiance and belligerence because of the impunity that it enjoys.  Israel is confident that it will always receive the cover it needs, including in this Council.

8.         Impunity shows double-standards and makes a mockery of international law. Impunity also encourages further violations of international law.  It serves as a bad example to others and will undo efforts in forging a rules-based order as the guarantee for international peace and security.

9.         The threshold for Council action was crossed a long time ago. United and decisive actions from this Council is needed, now more than ever, for the sake of the global order. The General Assembly has consistently demonstrated its will to end Israel’s impunity, as reflected through the adoption of Resolution ES-10/24 by an overwhelming majority last month. We implore this Council to act and ensure the implementation of this resolution.  Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian lands must end, and the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people must be fully realised.

President,

10.       We are at a dangerous juncture.  This Council must put aside its differences, and unite in upholding international law.  This Council must lead the world away from the brink of this dangerous abyss.  For the sake of global humanity, I pray that this Council make the right choice, and make it fast. 

I thank you.