Malaysia has issued a powerful demand for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, with the nation's foreign minister condemning the escalating violence as ASEAN confirms plans for an emergency summit to address the humanitarian crisis.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan delivered a stark warning: "Enough is enough. The killing of civilians, women, children and babies, this must stop." His comments came during a meeting with Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel, where both diplomats expressed grave concerns about the deteriorating situation.
ASEAN Emergency Summit Confirmed
The ASEAN chair has officially confirmed that member states will convene an emergency summit to coordinate a regional response to the Gaza conflict. This high-level meeting aims to establish a unified position among Southeast Asian nations and develop concrete proposals for international intervention.
Minister Hasan emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating that Malaysia "cannot wait any longer" while civilian casualties continue to mount. The emergency summit represents a significant escalation of ASEAN's involvement in the Middle East conflict, reflecting growing regional alarm about the humanitarian consequences.
Humanitarian Corridors and Civilian Protection
Malaysian officials have outlined several key demands that will form the basis of their diplomatic efforts:
- Immediate establishment of safe humanitarian corridors for aid delivery
- Protection of civilian infrastructure including hospitals and schools
- International monitoring of human rights violations
- Renewed efforts toward a two-state solution
The Malaysian government has been particularly vocal in its criticism of the blockade preventing essential supplies from reaching Gaza's civilian population. "The basic necessities of life - food, water, medicine - must be allowed to reach those in desperate need," Minister Hasan asserted.
International Diplomatic Efforts Intensify
Portugal's presence at the Kuala Lumpur meetings signals growing international concern about the conflict's regional implications. Both ministers acknowledged the complexity of the situation while maintaining that civilian protection must remain the immediate priority.
As ASEAN chair, Malaysia is positioned to leverage regional influence in international forums, potentially bringing fresh diplomatic pressure to bear on all parties involved in the conflict. The upcoming emergency summit could mark a turning point in how Southeast Asian nations engage with Middle Eastern crises.
With casualties rising and humanitarian conditions deteriorating rapidly, Malaysia's forceful intervention adds significant weight to global calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and meaningful progress toward lasting peace in the region.
