KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has expressed in the strongest terms its endorsement for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2728 (2024) on Gaza.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said for the sake of Ramadan, the legally binding resolution must be enforced now.

The resolution demands an immediate ceasefire, unconditional release of all hostages, and the removal of barriers to the provision of humanitarian aid.

"We must immediately relieve the people of Gaza from the immense pain and suffering they have now endured for almost six months.

Particularly, the United States must prevail upon its ally to respect the will of the international community and accordingly observe the ceasefire and permit the immediate and massive entry of emergency aid," he said in a statement.

He also applauded the bravery and commitment to humanity of the 10 elected members of the council namely Algeria, Guyana, Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, South Korea and Switzerland.

He expressed Malaysia's commitment to the Palestinian cause adding that it will continue efforts for the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

This also includes as theadmission of Palestine as a full Member of the United Nations.

After more than five months of war, the UNSC for the first time yesterday demanded an immediate ceasefire after the United States, Israel's ally which vetoed previous drafts, abstained.

Drawing unusual applause in the often staid UNSC, all 14 other members voted in favour of the resolution which "demands an immediate ceasefire" for the ongoing Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/03/1030640/malaysia-endorses-unsc-call-ceasefire-urges-it-start-now