Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim calls for swift action against Israel at Riyadh Summit

Speaking at the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh on 11 November, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim delivered a forceful speech calling for urgent international action against Israel.

Central to Anwar’s speech was a call for the UN to take strong measures against Israel, which, he argued, has disregarded international norms to an unprecedented extent.

Anwar’s address underscored his solidarity with leaders across the Muslim world, highlighting a shared commitment to end the ongoing violence in Palestine.

He characterised Israel as having violated international norms and laws, asserting that Israel “no longer belongs within the civilised community of nations.”

According to Anwar, Israel’s actions have gone beyond the “pale of reason and humanity,” with its alleged acts of “genocide” against Palestinians necessitating strong international measures.

Drawing a historical comparison, Anwar invoked the United Nations’ previous decision to suspend South Africa’s seat at the UN during apartheid, suggesting similar action against Israel.

He proposed that the United Nations consider sanctions or even expulsion if necessary. “These cumulative acts of violence,” he stated, “leave us with no choice but to demand swift and effective action of the international community, including embargo, suspension, and even expulsion.”

Highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian support, Anwar condemned Israel’s targeting of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which he noted plays a critical role in aiding Palestinian refugees in Gaza.

By hindering UNRWA operations, Israel, he argued, is obstructing vital international assistance needed for basic survival in Gaza. “Israel is causing the collapse of the world’s humanitarian response,” Anwar said, stressing that such actions must end immediately and calling for better protections for the UNRWA as well as for UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, who, according to him, have faced attacks from Israeli forces.

In terms of specific measures, Anwar reiterated Malaysia’s previous call at the UN General Assembly in September for an immediate arms embargo on Israel.

He insisted that this is only a preliminary response and suggested that more severe measures should be considered if Israel’s actions persist. “The severity of Israel’s assault on humanity’s most basic rules,” Anwar stated, “deserves consideration of a more serious response.”

Anwar also noted that the impact of Israel’s alleged aggressions has not remained confined to Palestine, citing repercussions in Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, and Iran.

He warned that if left unchecked, this violence could ignite a broader conflict with global implications, urging swift international intervention to avoid a potentially uncontrollable escalation.

Reflecting on the human cost of the conflict, Anwar urged attendees to prioritise the well-being of Palestinian victims.

He called for “redoubling current efforts to help rebuild Gaza,” emphasising the need to implement plans for Gaza’s reconstruction without delay. The summit provided a critical platform, he observed, for Muslim leaders to align on a collective strategy to support Palestine and confront what he termed Israel’s “repeated violations of international law.”

Concluding his speech, Anwar appealed to shared human values beyond national or religious identities.

He emphasised the need to establish a safer, more compassionate world for future generations, invoking a “simple truth” that transcends political divides: a common desire for a world free from violence and fear.

Malaysia’s UNGA Draft Resolution on Israel’s Status

On 4 November, Anwar announced to the Dewan Rakyat (Malaysian Parliament) that Malaysia had drafted a resolution proposing Israel’s potential removal from the UN if it continues violating international laws related to Palestine.

The draft resolution, which is currently under negotiation, is expected to be presented at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) soon.

In addition, on 31 October, Malaysia joined a Core Group preparing a resolution that seeks an Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Israel’s responsibilities toward international organisations operating in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).

According to Anwar, this opinion could clarify Israel’s obligations and reinforce UNRWA’s mandate to continue providing essential services such as education and healthcare to Palestinian refugees, who number over six million across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.

The draft resolution and ICJ request signal Malaysia’s commitment to holding Israel accountable under international law.

Anwar indicated that the resolution, if passed, could legally protect humanitarian services in Palestine, which are vital for the survival of thousands of families affected by the conflict.

He noted that UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini had praised Malaysia’s support for the agency and encouraged further cooperation to sustain essential aid services amid worsening conditions in Gaza.

Atrocities Reported and Israel’s Ban on UNRWA

Anwar’s appeal for intervention comes amid increasing reports of civilian casualties and alleged violations of international law by Israel.

On 8 November, the United Nations Human Rights Office released a report stating that nearly 70% of the civilians killed in Gaza over the last six months were women and children, raising serious concerns about potential war crimes and “other possible atrocity crimes.”

According to the UN’s analysis, the high civilian death toll is due to the extensive use of wide-area weapons in densely populated areas, a tactic that has been criticised for its “apparent indifference to the death of civilians.”

The report confirmed that of the 8,119 verified deaths in Gaza between November 2023 and April 2024, approximately 44% were children and 26% were women. Around 80% of victims were killed in residential areas, underscoring the heavy toll on non-combatant populations.

The ages most affected were those between five and nine years old, according to the UN report.

The Gaza health ministry, run by Hamas and whose figures are viewed as reliable by the UN, estimates that more than 43,300 people have been killed in Gaza over the past year, with many more bodies believed to be buried under rubble.

Adding to the crisis, Israel recently formalised its decision to sever ties with UNRWA.

Following a parliamentary vote to ban UNRWA’s operations, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz claimed that the agency is part of the problem in Gaza, accusing it of employing individuals involved in the 7 October attacks.

Despite international opposition, including criticism from the United States, Israel’s parliament approved the ban, extending it to UNRWA activities within Israel and occupied East Jerusalem.

Katz defended the decision by asserting that other international organisations provide significant humanitarian support to Gaza and maintained that Israel adheres to international law regarding aid delivery.

However, many humanitarian groups have expressed concerns that the UNRWA ban will further disrupt aid delivery in Gaza, with just 30 aid trucks entering per day, exacerbating an already dire situation.

Additionally, UNRWA employees in the West Bank may face new obstacles in their interactions with Israeli authorities, potentially hampering relief operations.