London: Malaysia, which has for decades championed the rights and freedoms of the Palestinian people, will extend assistance for the reconstruction of Gaza, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today. He stated Malaysia will pray that the ceasefire announced yesterday will last.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar expressed hope for the durability of the ceasefire and confirmed Malaysia's commitment to aiding Gaza's rebuilding efforts. "There are challenges, but we pray the ceasefire will hold. We will assist in the reconstruction of Gaza," he said during a brief speech at the East London Mosque before participating in Friday prayers.

Anwar highlighted the significance of Japan's invitation for Malaysia to co-chair the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD), which will specifically focus on Gaza's reconstruction.

The three-phase ceasefire deal, facilitated by Egypt, the United States, and Qatar, is scheduled to commence on Sunday. It aims to terminate the 15-month conflict in Gaza.

On Thursday, Anwar emphasized that while reconstruction is an urgent priority, the significant loss of over 46,700 Palestinian lives and the displacement of more than two million people must not be neglected or forgotten.

During his five-day working trip to the United Kingdom, Anwar also presented copies of the Quran with English translations to the mosque's management and later attended a luncheon with members of the British Muslim Council.