Malaysia has announced an additional contribution of US$1 million (RM4.07 million) to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to support humanitarian efforts in Palestine.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the contribution would be channelled over five years until 2030, with US$200,000 (RM813,700) allocated annually.
“We need to send a clear message that Palestinian statehood cannot continue to be a deferred promise,” he said during his intervention at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Annual Coordination Meeting of Foreign Ministers in New York.
Mohamad also called on the OIC to push for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, while urging Israel to halt settler violence in the West Bank and what he described as the illegal displacement of Palestinians in Jerusalem.
He further called for an end to actions that could alter the identity of Jerusalem and its holy sites.
Malaysia said the OIC has an important role in advancing efforts towards an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian state in line with the two-state solution.
Mohamad also urged OIC member states to step up support for protecting, rebuilding and strengthening Palestinian institutions.
He said such efforts should also ensure accountability for alleged violations of international law by Israel, including allegations of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, as well as securing appropriate compensation for Palestinians.
The latest contribution comes as Malaysia continues its engagement on the Palestinian issue during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Mohamad is leading Malaysia’s delegation to the UNGA, where Palestine and Middle East tensions are among the key issues on Malaysia’s agenda.
