Malaysia pledges additional US$1m to UN agency for Palestinian refugees

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan accompanied by Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the United Nations (UN), Datuk Nadzirah Osman is in New York from September 23 to 27 to lead the Malaysian delegation to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) at the UN Headquarters, September 25, 2026. — Bernama pic

By Malay Mail

First Published: Friday, 25 Sep 2026 10:09 AM MYT

NEW YORK, Sept 25 — Malaysia has announced an additional contribution of US$1 million (RM4.07 million) to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to support humanitarian efforts in Palestine.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the contribution would be channelled in stages over five years until 2030, at US$200,000 annually, according to a report published by Berita Harian. 

“We need to send a clear message that Palestinian statehood cannot continue to be a deferred promise.

“Therefore, Malaysia wants the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to push for an immediate and lasting ceasefire,” he said in his intervention at the OIC Annual Coordination Meeting of Foreign Ministers here today.

Mohamad said Malaysia also urged Israel to end settler violence in the West Bank, the illegal expulsion of Palestinians in Jerusalem, as well as any actions that could alter the identity of Jerusalem and its holy sites.

Malaysia also called on OIC member states to provide greater support in protecting, rebuilding and strengthening Palestinian institutions.

“This is to ensure accountability for violations of international law by Israel, including allegations of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, as well as to demand appropriate compensation for the Palestinian people,” he said.

He said the OIC had a role in taking steps towards realising an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian state in line with the two-state solution.