KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia supported and co-sponsored the United Nations (UN) General Assembly's (UNGA) draft resolution demanding for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza yesterday (December 12), said the Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra).
Entitled "Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations", the resolution was adopted during the resumed 10th Emergency Special Session (ESS) of UNGA with an overwhelming 153 affirmative votes, 10 against and 23 abstentions.
Wisma Putra said the resounding support for the resolution by a group of cross-regional countries reflected the unwavering commitment of the international community to find a just, lasting, and peaceful settlement to the Palestine-Israel conflict.
"This is made even more urgent given the grim humanitarian tragedy currently unfolding in the Gaza Strip due to relentless Israeli aggression," it said in a statement today (December 13).
The 10th ESS was resumed at a joint request by the Arab Group and Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) following the veto cast by the United States at the UN Security Council on Friday against a resolution that would demand an immediate ceasefire to stop the senseless bloodshed in Gaza.
According to Wisma Putra, Malaysia, along with Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Maldives, Namibia, South Africa, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Turkiye, supported the joint request.
It was obvious that the Security Council failed to discharge its responsibilities, it said adding that the adoption of the resolution reaffirmed the vital role of the General Assembly on matters related to international peace and security.
"The Security Council must not ignore the demands of the majority over the selfish needs of the few," it said.
Through the resolution, Wisma Putra said the General Assembly expressed its grave concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
The Assembly further called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring unhindered humanitarian access.
"All parties are urged to comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians," it said.
Malaysia reiterated that the only durable solution to the shattering catastrophe is by granting the Palestinians their own independent and sovereign state, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its Capital, said Wisma Putra. — Bernama