KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian foreign affairs ministry has approved the humanitarian ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which was successfully reached yesterday.
This endorsement comes in response to the recent agreement, viewed as a positive step forward in ending the tragic loss of civilian lives and alleviating the suffering of the people in Gaza.
In light of this development, the ministry said Malaysia has expressed its appreciation to the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the United States (US) for their pivotal roles in reaching this significant agreement.
Thus, Malaysia strongly urges Qatar, Egypt, and the US to redouble their efforts towards a permanent cessation of hostilities.
"Malaysia stands ready to actively contribute towards all initiatives aimed at fostering a just and lasting peace in the region.
"Acknowledging the importance of prioritising the well-being of civilians and our commitment to humanitarian efforts, Malaysia will continue to send aid to the people in Gaza.
"Malaysia stands firm in our principled position that the Palestinians deserve their own independent and sovereign state, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its Capital," said the foreign affairs ministry in a statement.
It was reported earlier today that US President Joe Biden spoke with the leaders of Egypt, Israel, and Qatar yesterday, as confirmed by the White House.
This marked his first publicly announced talks with them since a hostage deal was announced between Israel and Hamas.
Biden and his administration negotiated through Qatar and Egypt to arrange the deal, wherein Hamas will free at least 50 hostages, and Israel will release scores of Palestinian prisoners.
Additionally, they offered a four-day truce to war-battered Gaza.
On Nov 18, Biden's main adviser on the Middle East said there would be a "significant pause" in the Palestine-Israel war if hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are freed.
Earlier this month, on Nov 8, Qatar mediated negotiations between Israel and Henry for the potential release of 10-15 hostages held in Gaza.
This negotiation aimed for a humanitarian pause in fighting, as reported by a source briefed on the talks to AFP.
