Ankara: Malaysia on Tuesday called for the 'immediate implementation of the ceasefire agreement and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza.'
According to Anadolu Agency, Malaysia emphasized the urgent necessity for the complete and immediate implementation of all stages of the ceasefire agreement, which includes the exchange of hostages and prisoners, as initially agreed upon by all involved parties. The country's Foreign Ministry highlighted the potential risks of any 'delay or deviation' from the agreement, warning that it could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. The statement stressed the importance of adhering to the agreement to ensure a sustained cessation of hostilities and the unobstructed delivery of essential humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The statement further detailed the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, indicating that 'over two million people are in urgent need of assistance.' It called for aid to be delivered to those in need 'without obstructions and political conditions,' and emphasized that the assistance should 'remain neutral, impartial, and free from political interference.'
Additionally, Malaysia reiterated its call for the 'establishment of an independent and sovereign' Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in nearly 48,400 Palestinian deaths, predominantly among women and children, with over 111,000 others injured since October 2023. The devastation in the region was temporarily halted by a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement that began on January 19. However, the situation remains tense as Israel stopped the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza on Sunday, following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's refusal to initiate talks on the second phase of a ceasefire deal with Hamas.
Last November, arrest warrants were issued by the International Criminal Court for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, charging them with war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel is also facing genocide allegations at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.