KUALA LUMPUR: The two-state solution between Palestine and Israel would be threatened if the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) failed to implement Resolution 2334.
In view of this Malaysia urges the UNSC to shoulder its responsibility to implement the resolution, adopted on Dec 23 last year, which seeks to see a solution between Palestine and Israel.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said to allow the resolution to remain unimplemented would mean failure to reverse the negative trend in the area and Malaysia firmly believes that the two-state solution remains the most viable solution for both sides.
"Malaysia would like to reaffirm our resolute support to seek a just, comprehensive and durable solution to the realisation of the two-state solution with an independent State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders and with east Jerusalem as its capital.
"Malaysia calls on all parties to refrain from actions that could further escalate tensions and violence in East Jerusalem.
"The developments in east Jerusalem are extremely worrying. Plans announced by Israel to increase the development of housing units to a rate of over 30 per cent more than in 2016 in east Jerusalem is a clear violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2334 (2016).
Anifah was speaking at the open-ended extraordinary meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation executive committee in Istanbul, Turkey yesterday (August 1).
He added the recent clashes between the Israeli security forces and Palestinians on July 21 in the West Bank had resulted in many casualties and if left unaddressed, the violence would bring untold suffering, deaths and destruction in the occupied Palestinian territories.
He said Malaysia condemned in the strongest terms, the recent closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque July 14 by Israeli authorities.
"Israel’s provocative action constitutes a flagrant violation of the sanctity of Islamic holy sites. Such action is also a serious violation of the rights of Muslims to worship in peace, free from violence, threats and provocations.
"The freedom to worship is a right guaranteed under international law. We must oppose any violation of such rights.
"We reiterate our call for Israel to provide unhindered access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque. We reaffirm that the sanctity of religious sites must be respected and preserved."
Anifah urged Israel to halt all activities that could have the effect of altering the status quo and character of the Islamic holy sites.
He said the Muslim ummah must be able to solve its own problems, before it could confront a bigger challenge.
"We must not lose sight of the bigger picture that is the importance of unity of the Muslim ummah."