PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and New Zealand are united in calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza conflict.
At a joint press conference with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised the urgent need to support efforts for a ceasefire.
However, he expressed doubts about the current prospects for a ceasefire, citing insufficient commitment from other countries, particularly the United States.
"The United States wields a lot of influence and can actually exert their influence to stop the atrocities.
"But right now there's complete devastation in Gaza and you see people who believe in freedom, justice, humanity, compassion, fail to understand how is it that in this age that you can allow this, if not condone, even allow and tolerate this?
"The only hope is to engage the United States to take a stronger stance," he said.
Meanwhile Luxon said an immediate ceasefire is needed in the conflict.
"New Zealand has made three statements now (in calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza). The prime minister (Anwar) has seen our statements that we've put out with both Canada and Australia as tripartite statements.
"But we both are very united in calling for an immediate ceasefire, getting the parties around the negotiating table and ultimately finding a two state solution," Luxon said.
Israel's assault on Gaza began after Hamas and other fighters killed about 1,200 people and took about 250 hostages in attacks on Israel on Oct 7, according to Israeli tallies.
Since then, Israel's offensive has levelled much of the enclave of 2.3 million people, and the Gaza health ministry says at least 40,738 Palestinians have been killed.