STATEMENT BY
MR. AZRIL ABD AZIZ
DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA
TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST, INCLUDING THE PALESTINIAN QUESTION
19 JANUARY 2022, NEW YORK
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Madam President,
Thank you for convening this Open Debate.
Madam President,
2. The situation on the ground remains deeply concerning. In 2021, 345 Palestinians were killed including 86 children. Israel’s practices of illegal settlements, home demolition, evictions and forced transfer also continued unabated. Last year, 902 homes were destroyed and 1,203 Palestinians were displaced - the highest figure since 2016. So far in 2022, Israel has demolished 35 structures displacing 53 Palestinians, in violation of international legal obligation.
3. Malaysia is also extremely concerned over the increase in violent attacks by Israeli settlers. As the occupying power, Israel has an obligation under international law to protect Palestinians and their property from violent attacks. Continued inaction have emboldened the occupying power and the settlers. Malaysia calls on the international community particularly the Security Council to act by imposing accountability on the perpetrators.
Madam President,
4. Israel’s systematic and continued oppression of Palestinians and discriminatory policies are tantamount to the crimes of apartheid. Its continued attacks on CSOs reporting on human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is an affront to respecting international law, international human rights law and peace. The international community must protect and continue to support human rights defenders in carrying out their important work to protect the rights of the Palestinian people living under military occupation.
5. Israel must be made to fully comply with all its obligations as prescribed by the relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2334 and international law as well as the UN Charter.
Madam President,
6. It remains Malaysia's firm position that only a negotiated political solution based on internationally agreed parameters, international law, and relevant UN resolutions can lead to durable peace. In this context, Malaysia urges the Security Council, especially the Middle East Quartet, to restart and create the necessary condition for peace talks between the relevant parties.
7. Malaysia's resolute support and full solidarity with the Palestinian people in realising their inalienable rights to self–determination and freedom will never waiver.
8. Let me conclude by reiterating Malaysia’s urgent call for the Security Council to exercise its primary responsibility in the maintenance of international peace and security and to make full use of available tools at its disposal to address this long-pending conflict and end this occupation.
I thank you, Madam President.