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[UPDATED] Malaysia calls for US re-evaluation in tackling humanitarian crisis in Gaza

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has expressed hope that the United States will continue to re-evaluate its approach and hasten an end to the ongoing violence and bloodshed in Gaza.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the current humanitarian crisis is a pressing issue that requires comprehensive measures and attention from major world powers.

"We have consistently voiced our concerns about the reluctance of the United States and the West to apply pressure on Israel. However, it's important to acknowledge positive developments.

"Despite the constraints of the United States political system in an election year, President Biden has recently shown growing impatience with his Israeli counterpart. He has also started to advocate for a ceasefire proposal in exchange for releasing hostages.

"We welcome these early signs of change in America's approach to the conflict. We hope the US will continue to re-evaluate its strategy and expedite the end of the killings and carnage," Anwar said in his keynote address at the 37th Asia-Pacific Roundtable (37APR) organised by the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (Isis) Malaysia.

Anwar said Malaysia cannot endure the current world crisis, which has stripped away peace and stability.

"We cannot stand idly by and allow this to be yet another chapter of mass killings and displacement that furnishes the historical volume of atrocities that have been committed, recognised, and then tragically but conveniently ignored," he said.

He added that more people were dying on battlefields, being forced from their homes, or needed of life-saving aid than in recent memory, despite the idea of peace and stability being preached around the world.

"Last year, when I addressed the APR at this stage, I spoke about how geopolitical and geostrategic developments have overshadowed some regional mechanisms and multilateral frameworks.

"Today, a mere 10 months later, I am doubling down on my doubts and misgivings about the world's faith in these mechanisms and the international system.

"This system was designed in the post-war era to ensure peace and stability, which held much promise in rhetoric but has proven to be a dismal failure in delivery.

"Despite our efforts and various international mechanisms, the pursuit of peace is failing. Indeed, it is no longer about maintaining peace but preventing the worst."

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