STATEMENT BY
HIS EXCELLENCY AMBASSADOR AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE
ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST INCLUDING THE PALESTINIAN QUESTION
24 OCTOBER 2023
Mr. President,
Thank you for convening this important debate. Thanks also to the briefers for their updates.
[Malaysia aligns itself with the statements made by the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, the OIC and NAM.]
We express our deepest condolences to families of those who have died in the ongoing hostilities, including among the UN staff.
We salute the courage and commitment of UNWRA staff and other humanitarian workers who continue to serve in Gaza.
Mr. President,
Gaza has been described as the world’s largest open-air prison. Indeed, the people of Gaza have endured much hardship but the scale of the current Israeli onslaught has shocked us all. The ongoing continuous pummeling of Gaza has turned the place into a humanitarian catastrophe, indescribable in its magnitude.
And it will get worse. It will get worse, if this Council continues to be in paralysis. If it continues to be an arena for one-upmanship, blame-game and finger-pointing.
Since the assaults of Gaza began, more than 5000 innocent civilians have been killed, including more than 2000 children.
How many more innocent civilians have to die? How many more children have to be orphaned, killed or maimed, before this Council decides that, enough is enough?
Mr. President,
The Council must act, urgently and decisively. The killings of innocent civilians must stop. We must ensure that civilians, as well as civilian infrastructures are being protected, in accordance with all applicable international laws.
Malaysia joins others in demanding for an immediate ceasefire. This is absolutely vital to stop further loss of life, and for the necessary humanitarian work to be carried out.
We also call for the unhindered and unfettered humanitarian access, so that aid can reach everyone in need, anywhere in Gaza. It is important to include fuel, which is crucial to keep the hospitals and ambulances running, the water clean and foods cooking.
Malaysia also opposes the forced displacement of the Gazan population. It is against international law. In reality, there is no safe place in Gaza at the moment.
Mr. President,
The horrors of the war have fueled anger among people all over. Tensions are rising in the West Bank. The area has already recorded the highest number of yearly casualties. The dangerous ramifications of this conflict, if it continues to escalate cannot be
overstated.
The options before this Council are stark. Act now and save lives, or continue to dither and let more innocent lives being killed. Malaysia thus, reiterates its call for the Security Council to take a united, effective and urgent action, for the sake of humanity.
Failure of the Council to act would also further erodes the already dwindling trust and confidence in multilateralism. It would only confirm the hypocrisy, double-standard and unequal treatments. We cannot afford this, especially when we are already struggling to build solidarity to tackle climate change and the SDGs.
Mr. President,
The vicious cycle of violence must end. More than half of the population of Gaza are children and youths. They deserve hope for their future, not gloom and despair. Malaysia remains steadfast in its conviction that lasting peace can only be achieved through the establishment of a free and independent state of Palestine - the two-state solution, based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Thank you.