'New York Declaration' risks being unjust if it imposes conditions solely on Hamas
Its chairman Dr Maszlee Malik said Malaysia must remain cautious in responding to the declaration, brought forward by France and Saudi Arabia at the United Nations on July 30, as it places disproportionate obligations on Palestinians while ignoring Israel's long-standing violations of international law.
"Malaysia must remain steadfast in supporting the establishment of an independent, sovereign and internationally recognised Palestinian state, consistent with UN Resolution 242 (1967).
"The real solution can only be achieved if Israel fully complies with international law and ends its illegal occupation of Palestinian territories," he said in a statement today.
The declaration once again highlighted the proposal to implement a Two-State Solution (2SS) as a means to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Maszlee said that past failures of the two-state solution were not due to Palestinian rejection, but Israel's refusal to adhere to UN resolutions and international justice.
He said any transfer of power in Gaza should only take place through a free and fair election under international supervision, rather than being dictated by external powers.
"The principle of sovereignty and the right to self-determination belong exclusively to the Palestinian people, not other states," he said.
He said Malaysia's position on the declaration must reflect its commitment to international law and human rights, while balancing global diplomatic considerations with domestic sentiment.
He said all parties, including Israel, must be held accountable for violations of international law.
"If there are clauses in the declaration that contradict Malaysia's foreign policy or undermine principles of justice, then abstaining from those sections should be considered.
"While we support efforts to end the humanitarian crisis and advance peace, these processes must be grounded in justice and adherence to international law."
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said on Friday that Wisma Putra was reviewing the declaration and would release a statement on the matter.
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