Move to seek Israel’s expulsion

KUALA LUMPUR: Expelling Israel from the United Nations if it has violated international laws in its acts against Palestine is among possible suggestions to be put forward through the UN draft resolution, which Malaysia is involved in, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said Malaysia is part of a core group working on the draft resolution, which is currently in the negotiation process and is expected to be tabled at the UN General Assembly for approval soon.

On Oct 31 Malaysia joined the core group to prepare a draft resolution of the UN General Assembly to seek an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding Israel’s obligation to allow international agencies’ and UN agencies’ presence and activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT).

Apart from Malaysia, other members of the core group are Egypt, Guyana, Indonesia, Jordan, Namibia, Norway, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Slovenia.

“The Foreign Minister had brought up this issue in the meeting. The draft resolution is in the negotiation process and we will study if Israel can be removed as a member of UN if there is violation of international laws,” he said during a ministerial explanation in the Dewan Rakyat.

The Prime Minister said once the draft resolution is approved, it will be made the legal platform to allow the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to continue providing basic services.

“This includes healthcare and humanitarian aid that will benefit six million Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria,” he added.

On Israel’s ban on UNRWA’s humanitarian aid operations, Anwar said Malaysia will propose that full support be given to the body to continue providing aid to Palestinians.

UNRWA supports Palestinian refugees with humanitarian aid in Gaza, the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, as well as surrounding countries.

On Oct 28, the Israeli Parliament or Knesset had approved Bills to ban the body from operating in the conflict-ridden area.

Anwar said that for 75 years, the UNRWA has been the main lifeline for channelling international aid to the people of Palestine, and that Malaysia will continue to fully support the organisation’s crucial role with assistance, collaboration and coordination.

“Malaysia’s continued support for UNRWA is critical.

“We received appreciation from UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, who conveyed this to the Foreign Minister at the previous UN session and requested for this collaboration to be enhanced,” he said.

Responding to questions from Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (PH-Ledang) and Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (PN-Sik) regarding support for the UNRWA, Anwar said Malaysia will continue to back the agency, including with cash assistance.

“We have previously announced humanitarian support in terms of over RM100mil cash assistance. We have brought patients and children in critical conditions, especially from Gaza, for treatment at military hospitals and this will be continued.

“Specifically for UNRWA, so far, the funds that have been allocated and handed over is RM25mil.

“There are also discussions under the Foreign Ministry and UNRWA to look at their urgent needs,” he said.