PETALING JAYA: The Gaza ceasefire is an opportunity for the international community to seek a permanent solution to the long-standing Middle East crisis, says the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
This was part of Wisma Putra's response to the brokered ceasefire deal on Wednesday (Jan 15) to end the conflict in Gaza and release Israeli hostages, including arbitrarily detained Palestinians.
"Malaysia continues to stand in solidarity with Palestine. We see an opportunity for the international community to come together for a permanent solution to one of the most protracted conflicts in the world," it said in a statement on Thursday (Jan 16).
The solution, the ministry added, should include the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the creation of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The ultimate goal of seeking a permanent solution is to achieve sustainable peace and stability in the Middle East, it said.
On the January 15 ceasefire, the ministry said it is a vital first step to end the 15-month conflict that has cost many lives, caused great suffering to Palestinians, and devastated Gaza.
"The ceasefire will enable the fresh delivery of urgently needed humanitarian aid critical to save the lives of remaining Palestinians in Gaza, especially during the current harsh winter season," added the ministry.
Efforts should now focus on its effective and full implementation as per the commitment given by the parties concerned, Wisma Putra said.
The ministry commended the efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the US for their roles in mediating the ceasefire.
