KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has called for immediate humanitarian aid to be channelled to the Palestinian people following the announcement of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel which is expected to take effect this Sunday (Jan 19).
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, in a Facebook post on Thursday, said the Palestinian people are currently facing a crisis in food supplies, clean water, fuel as well as medical and health needs.
He said Malaysia also hopes that post-war restoration efforts can be implemented effectively to help more than 2.3 million Gaza residents who have been displaced by the prolonged conflict.
Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia expressed gratitude for the ceasefire announcement following the prolonged tension in the Middle East which has claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives.
"The initial six-week ceasefire, announced by US President Joe Biden, is the result of negotiations with Egypt and Qatar. This measure includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops and the release of hostages by Hamas and is expected to take effect this Sunday.
"This step is a beginning towards ending the crisis that has lasted for more than 460 days and stopping the endless bloodshed,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said as a country that has always supported the Palestinian cause, Malaysia remains firmly opposed to any form of illegal occupation in Gaza and fully supports the Palestinian prisoner exchange effort as part of the broader reconciliation process.
"We as Malaysians will continue to stand firmly with Palestine and call on the international community to play a more active role in ensuring stability and peace in the region,” he said. - Bernama
