KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia fully supports the vital role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian Refugees in Palestine, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
During a special session in Dewan Rakyat, Anwar said Malaysia will continue to enhance collaborative assistance and coordination with UNRWA.
"There is no alternative to UNRWA, as stated by 15 heads of UN agencies and humanitarian organisations.
"For 75 years, UNRWA has been the main lifeline for delivering international assistance to the Palestinian people," he said.
Anwar added Malaysia's ongoing support for UNRWA was recognised by its commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini, who expressed his appreciation to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan during the recent 79th UN General Assembly, asking for cooperation to be further enhanced.
Meanwhile, Anwar said on Oct 31, Malaysia joined the core group to prepare a draft resolution for the UN General Assembly requesting an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
"This is regarding Israel's obligations to allow the activities and presence of the UN, for the benefit of the Palestinian civilians.
"The draft resolution is currently under negotiation and we will review it following any violations of international law to consider expelling Israel from the UN member state."
Anwar said the conflict in Gaza, as of Nov 1, has resulted in the deaths of 43,204 Palestinians, including 16,000 children.
"A total of 101,641 Palestinians have been injured, while 11,000 are missing.
"On average, 118 Palestinians have been killed and 277 are injured each day since October last year.
"The situation in Gaza remains dire, marked by relentless violence, with impunity supported both directly and indirectly by Israel's allied countries."