Malaysia proposes key measures at OIC meeting to champion Palestinian cause

 

Malaysia has proposed four key measures to support the Palestinian cause, including establishing a group of eminent persons to assess and identify measures to implement the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) advisory opinion.

Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan presented the proposed measures while delivering the national statement during the emergency meeting convened by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

He said the measures emphasised the need to expand global support for Palestine, leveraging the ICJ’s rulings and the unity achieved by Palestinian factions through the Beijing Declaration.

“Such measures should focus on universal jurisdiction and ensure the consistent application of international law,” Mohamad (above) said during the meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday.

Second, Malaysia called for the reinstatement of the UN Special Committee Against Apartheid.

The primary task of this committee would be to halt the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel and to address the apartheid policies imposed on Palestinians, he added.

Third, Malaysia proposed that the OIC, in collaboration with like-minded countries, request to resume the 10th Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly on the issue of Palestine.

“This suggestion is to discuss the means and ways to implement or ‘give effect’ to the ICJ’s advisory opinion.

“Finally, we should extend our undivided support and fully assist in the rebuilding of the Palestinian economy and livelihood post-conflict. This is a key step that would ease their return to normalcy,” Mohamad said.

Following the assassination of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh, Malaysia called for a concerted effort to counter Israeli propaganda and misinformation.

“Malaysia has always been a strong advocate for peace and stability. As much as we condemn the assassination, we call for restraint from all parties to avoid escalating the situation into a regional and global crisis.

“The attack in Tehran could well be an attempt to derail the ongoing peace negotiations in the Middle East.

“We should not fall into their trap. Cool heads must prevail. We should support the continuation of the peace process to be resolved at the negotiating table. Diplomacy is the way to go,” he noted.

Meanwhile, OIC said it denounced Israel for Ismail’s assassination, calling it a “crime of aggression, a flagrant violation of international law and a serious infringement of the sovereignty of Iran.”

According to Anadolu Agency, the world body also urged the UN Security Council to impose an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire on Israeli aggression and “ensure adequate and sustainable access to humanitarian aid throughout Gaza Strip.”

- Bernama