UN must act fast to resolve crisis in Palestine, says PM in labelling Israel an 'apartheid entity'

NEW YORK: Labelling Israel as an apartheid state, Malaysia wants action to be taken to resolve the issue of Palestine as expeditiously as crisis that befell Ukraine.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the United Nations must be hasty in its action to ensure the prolonged crisis in Palestine is resolved as soon as possible.

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“In the case of Ukraine, countries were quick to act.

“Malaysia wants similar action and reaction on the issue of Palestine.

“Israel must stop being an apartheid entity,” he said at the general debate of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly on Friday (Sept 23). (Saturday (Sept 24), Malaysian time).

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The Prime Minister expressed Malaysia’s disappointment over Israel’s occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory that has been going on for a long time.

“The people of Palestine have lived under the shackles of discriminating policies by Israel. Illegal occupation is increasing.

“This is against international laws, including the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334. The basic rights of the people of Palestine continue to be denied,” he said.

On the issue of Ukraine, Ismail Sabri reiterated Malaysia’s stand for all nations, especially the superpowers, to avoid creating separatist blocs.

“This will only drag the word towards a new cold war. The world must realise that peace can only be attained through dialogue and negotiations,” he added.

Ismail Sabri said Malaysia welcomes the creation of a sea corridor to allow the delivery of grain from Ukraine, a move that will tackle the issue of food security.

Pointing out that the cost of a war was too high, he said the situation in Ukraine was a testament to this.

“The effects are not only felt by the people and the country, it is also felt by the world.

“Conflict threatens peace, global security, economy and food security,” he added.