KUALA LUMPUR: The United Nations is prepared to support efforts, including Malaysia’s proposed peacekeeping role in Gaza, once key players decide on next steps to maintain the ceasefire.
Its secretary-general Antonio Guterres said it is not yet clear under what circumstances a peacekeeping force will be created.
“What is important now is to make sure the ceasefire holds and that the first phase of the Agreement is fully implemented,” said Guterres on Monday (Oct 27).
He was referring to the Gaza Peace Plan announced by the United States.
On October 14, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia is ready to send peacekeepers if requested or required after the plan’s implementation.
He told the Dewan Rakyat that peacekeepers would be the best guarantee to ensure security in Gaza.
United States President Donald Trump previously announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of the Gaza peace plan he unveiled on Sept 29.
It includes a ceasefire, the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for about 2,000 Palestinian detainees and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Guterres praised Malaysia for its consistent and principled foreign policy on the Palestinian issue.
He described it as a model of coherence and integrity in global diplomacy.
Guterres expressed appreciation for Malaysia’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people during the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
He also lauded Malaysia’s advocacy for their right to self determination and statehood.
“I would like to express my appreciation for what has been a constant and coherent foreign policy of Malaysia,” he said.
“There are no double standards, and Malaysia has been a strong advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people to self determination and statehood,” he added.
