UNSC ceasefire a breakthrough

Anwar: Us must respect will of international community to relieve Gaza

The ceasefire in Palestine, which was passed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday, must be enforced in light of the fasting month, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“For the sake of Ramadan, in the spirit for which this season is intended to engender contemplation, renewal of our faith, and return to family, today’s legally binding resolution must be enforced now.

“We must immediately relieve the people of Gaza from the immense pain and suffering they have now endured for almost six months,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) yesterday.

The UNSC resolution 2728, which calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, Palestine, was passed on Monday.

The resolution was passed with 14 votes in favour, while the United States abstained.

Anwar said the United States must prevail upon its ally Israel to respect the will of the international community, accordingly observe the ceasefire, and permit the immediate and massive entry of emergency aid.

He added that Malaysia also endorsed UNSC Resolution 2728, calling for an immediate ceasefire of all hostilities in Gaza.

The ceasefire must also include the immediate release of all hostages and the immediate and urgent, expedited delivery of aid into the territory, Anwar added.

Anwar applauded the bravery and commitment to humanity of the 10 elected members of the council – Algeria, Guyana, Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, South Korea and Switzerland – that proposed the resolution.

Anwar also maintained Malaysia’s commitment to the Palestinian cause and will continue efforts for the establishment of an independent and sovereign state of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

He added that the country also endorsed the admission of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations.

Wisma Putra, in a statement, said the adoption of UNSC resolution 2728 is a significant breakthrough after more than five months of occupation in Gaza.

As such, Malaysia demands an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and the lifting of all barriers to the provision of humanitarian aid.

The UNSC adopted a resolution on Monday demanding an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas after the United States abstained from the vote, sparking a spat with Israel.

The remaining 14 council members voted for the resolution proposed by the 10 elected members of the body, which also demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. There was applause in the council chamber after the vote.

“This resolution must be implemented. Failure would be unforgivable,” UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres posted on social media.