Mohamad Hasan: Malaysia increases UNRWA contribution by US$1mil

NEW YORK: Malaysia has announced an additional US$1 million contribution to 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, amounting to US$200,000 annually.

"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.

He said this in his intervention speech at the OIC Annual Coordination Meeting and Meeting of Foreign Ministers here today.

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

Malaysia also urged OIC member states to provide greater support to protect, rebuild and strengthen 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 demand appropriate compensation for the Palestinian people," he said.

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