Malaysia proposes UN Resolution to address Israel’s membership amid Palestine conflict

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Malaysia has prepared a draft resolution for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that includes a proposal for Israel’s removal as a member of the organisation in the event of violations concerning laws and decisions related to Palestine.

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced this development in the Dewan Rakyat (Parliament) on 4 November stating that the draft resolution is currently undergoing negotiation and is expected to be tabled at the UNGA for approval soon.

On 31 October 2024, Malaysia joined a Core Group tasked with preparing a resolution requesting an Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), according to Anwar.

This opinion would clarify Israel’s obligations concerning UN activities and the presence of international organisations and third countries in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), which are implemented with the consent of the Palestinian government for the benefit of its people.

Anwar indicated that, once approved, the resolution could serve as a legal basis for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to continue delivering essential services such as education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid.

These services have supported over six million Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.

“The UNRWA has been a vital lifeline for channeling international aid to the people of Palestine for 75 years, and Malaysia fully supports its crucial role, committing to enhance assistance, collaboration, and coordination,” Anwar stated.

He noted that UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini expressed gratitude for Malaysia’s support during a previous UN session and urged for strengthened collaboration.

Anwar Highlights Critical Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The Prime Minister highlighted the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza, where ongoing violence has resulted in the deaths of 43,204 Palestinians, including 16,500 children, since the outbreak of conflict in October 2023.

Furthermore, he reported that 101,641 Palestinians have been injured, with 11,000 reported missing. On average, 118 Palestinians have been killed and 277 injured daily throughout this period.

“The situation in Gaza is critical, and violence continues unabated, largely due to direct and indirect support from countries allied with Israel,” he added.

Responding to queries from Members of Parliament regarding support for UNRWA, Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to providing ongoing assistance, including cash support.

He mentioned that humanitarian support exceeding RM100 million (approximately US$22.8 million) has already been announced, with RM25 million specifically allocated to UNRWA.

Anwar also discussed Malaysia’s continued humanitarian missions, stating that the country relies on the governments of Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to facilitate aid delivery to the region.

He is set to meet with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi on 10 November to express gratitude for Egypt’s provision of a special route for Malaysia’s humanitarian aid efforts to Rafah, which has been obstructed by Israel.

Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister assured that Malaysia, as a free and independent nation, will continue to uphold justice for the Palestinian people wherever they may be.

Israel Officially Cuts Ties with UN’s Palestinian Aid Agency

On Monday, Israel formally notified the United Nations of its decision to sever ties with UNRWA following a parliamentary vote to ban the organisation.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated that UNRWA, which he accused of employing individuals involved in the 7 October massacre, is part of the problem in Gaza.

Despite international condemnation, including from the US, Israel’s parliament approved the ban on UNRWA’s operations in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem, which could significantly impact humanitarian efforts in Gaza.

Katz argued that while UNRWA provides some aid, the majority of humanitarian assistance to Gaza comes from other organisations, asserting that Israel remains committed to international law regarding aid delivery.

Concerns have been raised about the implications of the ban on UNRWA employees in the occupied West Bank, particularly regarding their movement and access to Israeli authorities.