STATEMENT (4C) : UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL QUARTERLY OPEN DEBATE ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST, INCLUDING THE PALESTINIAN QUESTION

STATEMENT BY

AMBASSADOR DR. AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

AT THE

UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL QUARTERLY OPEN DEBATE

ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST,

INCLUDING THE PALESTINIAN QUESTION

NEW YORK, THURSDAY, 23 OCTOBER 2025

___________________________________________________________________

President,

1. Malaysia thanks the Russian Federation for convening this meeting, and aligns itself with the statements of NAM and the OIC.

President,

2. Malaysia welcomes the ceasefire agreement reached on 8 October 2025 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. We acknowledge the key roles of the United States, Egypt, Türkiye, Qatar and other partners in facilitating the negotiation.

3. We urge all parties to fully adhere to the terms of the ceasefire.  Now, efforts must be intensified towards ending the hostilities permanently.

4. We also welcome the unambiguous Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice, delivered yesterday on 22 October.  It is clear that Israel is obligated to agree to, and facilitate relief programmes by United Nations and its entities, particularly UNRWA.

5. Israel must allow, facilitate and protect humanitarian access into and throughout Gaza.  The supply of essential and lifesaving items like food, medicines, shelter, water, and fuel, among others, must be unimpeded and at scale.

6. We reiterate our steadfast support for all UN agencies, particularly UNRWA. UNRWA plays an indispensable and irreplaceable role in providing essential services to the Palestinian people. The blockade against UNRWA must be immediately and fully lifted.

President,

7. Malaysia congratulates the 11 Member States that announced their recognition of the State of Palestine during the recent High-Level Week of the 80^th General Assembly.  The overwhelming support for the State of Palestine sends a clear message that it is also time for its full membership into the United Nations.

8. Malaysia also welcomes the adoption of the New York Declaration at the UN General Assembly on 12 September 2025.

9. We look forward to its implementation, as a pathway toward realising a sovereign and independent State of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders, and East Jerusalem as its Capital. 

10. We maintain that the right to self-determination is enshrined in the UN Charter and International Law.  The right of Palestinians to statehood is non-negotiable and must not be treated as a concession, or attached with pre-conditions.  

President,

11. The grave violations committed by Israel must not be forgotten. Israel must be held accountable for the war crimes, crimes against humanity and acts of genocide it has committed.

12. Israel must not be above the law.  The impunity it long enjoys must stop. 

13. Peace and justice can only be achieved through upholding the rule of law. The Security Council must fulfil its Charter mandated responsibility to uphold international peace and security.  It is up to the Council if it can find the courage to do so. 

Thank you.