Malaysia's Unyielding Effort For Gaza Ceasefire: A Year Of Diplomacy And Action

By Rosmalis Anuar and Teh Kuan Hong

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 25 (Bernama) -- A year had passed since Israel unleashed its brutal military offensive on Gaza, but the killing and destruction continued. Despite the tireless efforts of the international community, a lasting ceasefire remained elusive.

Yet, amidst this devastating conflict, one nation stood resolutely committed to ending the violence: Malaysia.

Malaysia has long been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, and the tragic escalation of Israeli aggression on Oct 7, 2023, marked a significant turning point in the nation’s diplomatic and humanitarian response.

The situation demanded more than just words – Malaysia’s government took decisive action, pushing for an end to the suffering through various global platforms, rallying support for Palestine, and offering tangible aid to those affected by the violence.

As 2024 unfolded, Malaysia’s commitment to Palestine grew even stronger. From the United Nations (UN) to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), from the Arab League to the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Malaysia leveraged every possible avenue to call for an end to the bloodshed. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim led the charge, spearheading efforts that reached far beyond Malaysia’s borders.

On Jan 17, Anwar, alongside his Cabinet members, signed a special postcard addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, urging the global body to recognise Palestine as a full member state and to bring an end to Israeli atrocities. 

Just days later, on Jan 23, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan reaffirmed Malaysia’s stance during the UN Security Council (UNSC) Open Debate on the Middle East, stressing the need for Israel to cease its violations of international law.

On Feb 23, during public hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Mohamad took a stand against Israel’s ongoing violations, calling for accountability and demanding an immediate halt to its actions. It was a message that resonated not just in diplomatic circles but also within the hearts of those who had been following the events from afar.

On May 1, Anwar said Malaysia will use its good relations with all countries to collectively help stop the Israeli regime’s oppression of the people in Gaza.

During the UNSC Debate on Sept 26, Malaysia made a strong appeal to limit the use of veto power in the UNSC, stressing that the unchecked use of veto has obstructed peace efforts, particularly in the case of Palestine.

At the UN General Assembly (UNGA) General Debate on Sept 29, Malaysia urged for the reinstatement of the UN Special Committee Against Apartheid and reiterated the need for renewed global efforts to combat injustice.

On Nov 4, Anwar said Malaysia had prepared a draft resolution of the UN General Assembly which, among others, suggested that Israel be removed as a member of the organisation should there be a violation of laws, rules and decisions in issues involving Palestine.

Throughout the year, Anwar underscored Malaysia's unwavering support for Palestine during meetings with world leaders.

The leaders he met included Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Jordanian Prime Minister Bisher Hani Al-Khasawneh, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Thani, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Anwar also met with the late Ismail Haniyeh, former Hamas political leader, in Qatar on May 14, where he reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to playing an active role at the international level in halting Israel's atrocities against the Palestinians.

He condemned in the strongest possible terms the assassination of Haniyeh by Israel in Tehran on July 31, stressing that it was a murder of the most heinous kind.

The Prime Minister also mourned the loss of Yahya Sinwar, who succeeded Haniyeh as Hamas Political Bureau chief, noting that he was brutally killed by the ruthless Zionist regime on Oct 16.

But it wasn’t just diplomacy that defined Malaysia’s approach. The nation also demonstrated unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people through humanitarian aid. 

On Aug 16, Malaysia brought 41 injured Palestinians to its shores for medical treatment, offering a lifeline to those caught in the violence. The patients and 86 of their relatives were flown in aboard two Royal Malaysian Air Force Airbus A-400M aircraft.

Over 5,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid was delivered through the Rafah border, and donations and assistance amounting to RM45 million were sent to Gaza through the Akaun Amanah Kemanusiaan Rakyat Palestin (AAKRP). 

Solidarity gatherings and rallies were also held by various organisations, including non-governmental organisations and federal and state governments, throughout the country to express Malaysians' resolute support for Palestine.

The largest rally, organised by the MADANI Government, was held on Aug 4, where over 15,000 Malaysians from various backgrounds, religions and races gathered at Arena Axiata in Bukit Jalil to advocate for Palestine's liberation.

Dubbed 'Himpunan Pembebasan Palestin', the rally, attended by the Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers and foreign representatives, aimed to send a strong message to the world that Malaysia condemned the killing of Haniyeh and the brutality of the Zionist regime.

Malaysians have also rallied to boycott products and companies with ties to Israel as a symbol of solidarity with Palestine, in line with the global movement Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS).

As Malaysia continues its robust diplomatic and humanitarian aid efforts, its steadfast stance sends a clear message to the world: justice and freedom for the Palestinian people remain central to its foreign policy agenda.

-- BERNAMA