PETALING JAYA: The recent ceasefire agreement will provide much-needed relief for the people in Gaza, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Welcoming the move, he also acknowledged the efforts of countries including Egypt, Qatar and the United States who had acted as mediators for the agreement.
"I welcome the announcement of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, scheduled to take effect on Sunday (Jan 19).
"This critical step provides much-needed relief for the people of Gaza, who have endured such immense suffering.
"I also applaud US president-elect Donald Trump for his role in bringing the negotiations to fruition," he said in a statement on Thursday (Jan 16).
Anwar called for the international community to ensure that the agreement was upheld so that subsequent talks would lead to sustainable peace and the reconstruction of Gaza.
He added that he will be contacting Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to fast-track the reconstruction plan for Palestine that was agreed upon during his recent visit to Malaysia.
“Collaboration and support from our East Asian partners will be instrumental in ensuring that the rebuilding of Gaza progresses swiftly and effectively,” he said.
"While reconstruction is a pressing priority, it is essential to recognise that the loss of over 46,700 Palestinian lives and the displacement of over two million people cannot and must not be forgotten.
"Justice and accountability for the actions taken during this conflict remain critical. "Furthermore, this ceasefire must serve as a stepping stone towards the long-overdue aim of establishing a viable, sovereign and independent Palestinian state.
"A just and lasting peace depends on addressing the root causes of this conflict," Anwar said.
On Wednesday (Jan 15), Qatari Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman announced the successful mediation in reaching a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.
