Cause for celebration: People gathering to celebrate the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal reached between Israel and Hamas in Vancouver, Canada. — AP
PETALING JAYA: The ceasefire agreement in Gaza Strip provides much-needed relief for the people of Gaza, whom Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described as having endured much immense suffering.
Welcoming the ceasefire agreement, the Prime Minister also called for justice and accountability for the actions taken throughout the conflict.
He said the ceasefire must act as a stepping stone towards the long-overdue goal of establishing an independent Palestinian state.
“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,” he said in a statement.
“A just and lasting peace depends on addressing the root causes of this conflict.”
Anwar also acknowledged the efforts of countries including Egypt, Qatar and the United States who had acted as mediator of the agreement.
“I also applaud US President-elect Donald Trump for his role in bringing the negotiations to fruition.
“The international community must ensure that it (agreement) is upheld, paving the way for talks on subsequent phases that will lead to sustainable calm and the reconstruction of Gaza,” he said.
Anwar said he would be contacting his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba to fast track the reconstruction plan for Palestine that was agreed upon during his recent visit to Malaysia.
On 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 that will begin on Sunday.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said immediate humanitarian aid must be channelled to the Palestinian people following the announcement of a ceasefire.
He 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 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.
Meanwhile, Hamas has praised Malaysia’s “honourable stance” in supporting Palestine during the ongoing conflict, alongside other nations.
Khalil al-Hayya, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, extended gratitude to Malaysia, Turkiye, South Africa, Algeria, Russia, China and Indonesia for their solidarity with Palestinians, highlighting their crucial support during a time of immense hardship.