KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is intensifying its efforts to firmly support Palestine and its people who are currently under attack by Israeli forces.
Wisma Putra in a statement said Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, will lead the Malaysian delegation to the Ministerial Open Debate at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in New York tomorrow.
The debate will address the situation in the Middle East, including the ongoing challenges in Palestine.
During the session, Mohamad will reiterate Malaysia's call for an immediate ceasefire, strongly oppose the forced displacement of Palestinians, and stress the crucial need for unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
"Malaysia will press Israel to be accountable for its blatant violations of international law and the minister will propose the formal recognition of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations (UN).
"This move aims to advance the Palestinian people's struggle for absolute rights, including the right to determine their own fate, independence, and sovereignty, which have long been denied.
"The recognition is based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital," the statement read.
Scheduled to meet with UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres, Mohamad will express Malaysia's support for the latest appeals to expedite, safely deliver, comprehensively address, and continuously and unimpededly provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Malaysia also supports Sigrid Kaag in her new role as the Humanitarian Coordinator and Rebuilding Coordinator for Gaza.
"We recognise and appreciate the ongoing multilateral efforts focusing on the situation in Palestine.
"In solidarity with the Malaysian people's advocacy for Palestine, Mohamad will present special postcards from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Cabinet members to Guterres."
In addition to diplomatic initiatives, Malaysia is actively involved in legal actions at the international level concerning the Palestinian issue.
Mohamad will lead the Malaysian delegation to the Public Hearing Session to seek the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the legal consequences arising from Israel's policies and ongoing violations against the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.
The session will occur at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, starting on Feb 19, with Malaysia expected to deliver an Oral Statement on Feb 22.
"Having previously submitted a Written Statement to the ICJ on July 25 of the preceding year, Malaysia focused on Israel's violations of the Palestinians' right to self-determination.
"The process to seek the ICJ Advisory Opinion follows the adoption of Resolution 77/247 by the United Nations General Assembly on Dec 30, 2022, co-sponsored by Malaysia."
Emphasising its full support for the legal actions initiated by South Africa against Israel regarding violations of responsibilities under the 1948 Genocide Convention, Malaysia is exploring additional options to support this case further.
"The nation remains committed to leveraging all available platforms to support Palestine, end the atrocities in Gaza, and bring Israel to justice."