Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's diplomatic approach in addressing the Gaza crisis deserves support as it combines moral resolve, arguments grounded in international law, diplomatic pressure and a commitment to humanitarian assistance, said Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia's (UPNM) Honorary Professor Dr Mizan Aslam. Mizan highlighted that the crisis has evolved beyond an Israel-Palestine conflict, reflecting global failures in international law and the protection of civilians.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, after 1,000 days of war in Gaza, a staggering 73,066 people have been killed, with thousands more injured or suffering from disabilities. The destruction extends beyond human casualties, with over 90 percent of Gaza's infrastructure devastated, severely affecting water and sanitation services, and leaving countless families in dire conditions.
Anwar's leadership is also evident in Malaysia's support for South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), aiming to address alleged violations of the 1948 Genocide Convention. This action underscores Malaysia's commitment to leveraging international legal mechanisms to ensure accountability for alleged crimes against humanity.
Mizan noted that Anwar has actively engaged in multilateral diplomatic channels, including the Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit, to push for stronger actions against the atrocities in Gaza. His calls for increased support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and heightened international pressure on arms suppliers reflect Malaysia's proactive stance.
The Prime Minister's pragmatic approach also emphasizes diplomatic negotiations, humanitarian aid, and the release of activists. Malaysia has already allocated RM100 million for humanitarian assistance as nearly two million Gazans face acute food insecurity, with alarming rates of malnutrition and healthcare system devastation.
Mizan concluded that Malaysia's foreign policy, rooted in 'active non-alignment', aligns with principles of civilian protection, humanitarian access, legal accountability, and the pursuit of a sovereign Palestinian state. While Malaysia alone cannot resolve the Gaza crisis, Anwar's diplomacy ensures the issue remains a focal point in international discourse and action.