STATEMENT BY
H.E. SYED MOHAMAD HASRIN AIDID
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN VTC ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST, INCLUDING THE PALESTINIAN QUESTION
22 APRIL 2021, NEW YORK
Mr. President,
At the outset, allow me to thank you for convening this important open debate. Malaysia aligns itself with the statements delivered by Niger on behalf of the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Azerbaijan on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
Mr. President,
2. Palestinians have been forced to mark yet another Ramadan under occupation facing continuing hostile and disrespectful actions in violation of international law. Israel must be called upon to respect the sanctity of holy sites, freedom of worship, and freedom of religion. Malaysia is also appalled at the continuing illegal settlements, forced evictions, and demolition of houses, schools, and infrastructures by the Occupying Power. It is also regrettable that Israel continues its acts of provocation and violence with impunity, further exacerbating the deteriorating human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the Occupied Syrian Golan.
3. 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. The defiance of Security Council resolutions must have consequences. We call on the Security Council to demand accountability and bring an end to this injustice.
4. Malaysia also calls on 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 in ensuring 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's position on the question of Palestine remains clear – which is based on respect for international law and the agreed international parameters. We remain steadfast in voicing our support for the restoration of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent and sovereign state of Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as the only viable solution to this long-standing conflict. We will continue to support concrete, and genuine efforts towards achieving this just and lasting solution, which we trust will significantly contribute to peace, justice, and stability in the region.
6. As many speakers and the UN have reaffirmed, nothing can replace direct negotiations between the two parties to resolve the conflict. Furthermore, there will be no alternative to sustainable peace without a negotiated political settlement of a two-state solution. It is therefore vital for the international community to support the creation of a favourable atmosphere for such talks. In this regard, Malaysia is supportive of the efforts by the international community, including by the UN Secretary-General for the Middle East Quartet to find a mutually agreeable path for the parties to re-engage towards a negotiated peaceful settlement.
7. Malaysia is also supportive of the call by President Mahmoud Abbas to convene an international peace conference towards advancing a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
8. Malaysia also calls on the international community and Israel to support the Palestinian parliamentary and presidential elections in the Occupied Palestinian Territory including in East Jerusalem.
Mr. President,
9. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the Occupied Palestinian Territory with rising active cases recorded in the West Bank and Gaza. Malaysia stands with the Palestinian people as they battle this deadly virus. In addition to our bilateral assistance to Palestine, Malaysia also reiterates its support to UNRWA's important role in easing the dire conditions of the Palestinian people, especially during the pandemic crisis. We also commend the United States for its recent decision to restore assistance for the Palestinians, including USD150 million to UNRWA.
10. Beating the pandemic necessitates international cooperation, including effective and unimpeded vaccination for all. In this context, Malaysia is pleased that on 19 April 2021 the Palestinian Authority received the second batch of COVID-19 vaccines under the COVAX initiative.
11. We, however, noted that Israel has failed to fulfil its international legal responsibility and obligation to ensure the vaccination of the Palestinian population in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The number of vaccines received so far by the Palestinian people represents only a 'drop in the sea' in addressing the overall vaccination needs and containing the COVID-19 pandemic. The UN Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practice also issued a Press Statement on 25 March 2021 urging Israel to urgently comply with its international legal obligations to ensure that Palestinians and Syrians under occupation have access to available vaccines in accordance with the Fourth Geneva Convention.
Mr. President,
12. Malaysia remains steadfast in supporting the Palestinian cause. We continue to reaffirm our unwavering support and full solidarity with the Palestinian people in realising their inalienable rights to self –determination, freedom and independence. We trust and hope that the Council will seize every opportunity to advance the prospects for a sustainable peace between Palestinians and Israelis.