STATEMENT BY
H.E. SYED MOHAMAD HASRIN AIDID
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA
TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE SECURITY COUNCIL VTC OPEN DEBATE ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST, INCLUDING THE PALESTINIAN QUESTION
NEW YORK, 16 MAY 2021
Mr. President,
Thank you for convening this open debate on this longest-standing question at this critical time.
2. The continuous, excessive use of force in the occupied West Bank, including in East Jerusalem as well as in and around Gaza, is inhuman, unjustifiable, and unacceptable. Israel must immediately cease aggressions against Palestinians. Malaysia condemns in the strongest term the indiscriminate targeting and killing of civilians, including children, by the Occupying Power.
3. The international community must not stand idle letting Israel continue its inhuman assault on the Palestinians, which clearly violates numerous UN resolutions and international law, including humanitarian law. Every effort must be made to de-escalate this dangerous situation with the aim of bringing a halt to the violence and avoid more loss of lives. The Security Council must act immediately and fulfil its duties under the United Nations Charter. Malaysia urges the Security Council to speak with one voice and act swiftly and decisively to respond to series of Israeli aggressions.
4. Malaysia also reiterates its call for the Security Council to revisit the recommendation contained in the Secretary-General's report in 2018, A/ES-10/794, on the deployment of UN-mandated armed forces or unarmed observers to improve the protection of Palestinians. We must spare no effort to ensure the safety, protection, and well-being of the Palestinian civilian population who have been living in dreadful living conditions under Israeli occupation.
Mr. President,
5. Malaysia also strongly condemns the incursion and escalating attacks by the Israeli Occupation Forces and Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians and worshipers in Al-Aqsa Mosque. Targeted aggressions against worshippers during prayers, particularly in the final days of the holy month of Ramadan, is contemptuous to all Muslims and humanity. These are heinous acts, and the Israeli government, along with the perpetrators, must be held responsible and accountable.
6. We also condemn all forced evictions of Palestinians from their homes, including those in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods of East Jerusalem. Such actions are illegal under international humanitarian law and only serve to fuel tensions on the ground. Malaysia will not recognize any blatant seizure of Palestinian land by Israel for their illegal settlements. We also reject any unilateral action regarding the final status of Jerusalem.
7. In this connection, Israel must be made to fully comply with all its obligations as prescribed by relevant Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2334 and international law as well as the UN Charter. We call on the Security Council to demand accountability and bring an end to this injustice.
Mr. President,
8. Malaysia remains steadfast in supporting the Palestinian cause, including the establishment of an independent and sovereign state of Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. We also call on the Middle East Quartet to find a mutually agreeable path for the parties to re-engage towards a negotiated peaceful settlement.
9. Malaysia's resolute support and full solidarity with the Palestinian people in realizing their inalienable rights to self–determination, freedom, and independence have never been greater and will never waiver. We will continue our bilateral assistance to Palestine and support to UNRWA, which plays a vital role in easing the dire conditions of the Palestinian people.
Mr. President,
10. The ongoing violence could easily spill over into turmoil elsewhere, threatening the region's stability and beyond. In this respect, Malaysia urges 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 avoid further escalation and prevent loss of life.
I thank you, Mr. President.
