KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has welcomed the findings of an independent review group (IRG), which rejected Israel's accusations of United Nations staff being involved with terrorist organisations, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The Foreign Minister said the final report on the "Independent Review of Mechanisms and Procedures to Ensure Adherence by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to the Humanitarian Principle of Neutrality" showed that Israel's accusations were baseless.
"The report unequivocally rejects Israel's baseless accusations of United Nations staff being involved with terrorist organisations.
"The continued propagation of lies, deceit and misrepresentation by Israel's propaganda machinery constitute a grave offence against human decency," he said in a statement.
The UN secretary-general established the IRG on Feb 5 to assess UNRWA's neutrality following allegations by Israel of the involvement of UNRWA's staff in the Oct 7, 2023 attacks.
On Oct 7, Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise attack from Gaza, which saw a barrage of rockets being fired towards Israel and armed individuals breaching security barriers.
In response, Israel retaliated with air strikes and military operations.
The Palestinian territory's health ministry said 34,097 people had been killed in Israel's military campaign in Gaza since, with most of them being women and children.
"Israel's false accusation has not only tarnished the Organisation's reputation but also undermined the valuable contributions of donor countries, unjustly impeding their support without valid grounds.
"Malaysia welcomes the decision by a number of countries to resume their contributions to UNRWA and urges others who have suspended their contributions to do the same immediately to support this Organisation, which has become a vital lifeline for the besieged Palestinians," he said.
Mohamad said it was also imperative for nations to re-evaluate their priorities with Israel, given its shameful actions at the expense of the Palestinian people.
