THE Malaysian Government has urged the international community to impose a comprehensive global arms embargo and tighter economic sanctions on Israel, in an effort to immediately halt its military offensive in Gaza.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the world could no longer remain silent while “thousands of innocent lives are lost”.
“We must intensify engagement with members of the UN Security Council to invoke Chapter VII of the UN Charter — a crucial step toward enabling global arms and economic sanctions,” he told the High-Level Meeting on Halting the Genocide in Gaza, organised by The Hague Group in New York.
Mohamad called for closer cooperation with the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to build collective diplomatic pressure.
He further pressed The Hague Group to rally nations in enforcing a total arms ban against Israel, including the restriction of military technology and heavy machinery that could be used in warfare.
“In this way, we cut off the tools being used to carry out what is clearly Israel’s genocidal intent,” he said.
Malaysia has already barred Israeli-flagged vessels — or any bound for Israel — from docking at its ports since 2023.
“It is time we extend this ban to include ships carrying military fuel and weaponry. More countries must follow suit,” Mohamad added.
He also accused Israel of deliberately destabilising the region, citing its attack on Iran in June and a more recent strike on Qatar — a country currently involved in ceasefire negotiations.
“These actions clearly demonstrate Israel’s appetite for war and its refusal to coexist peacefully with any state,” he said.
The Hague Group was formed following South Africa’s 2023 genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Its mandate is to coordinate legal, diplomatic and economic action to ensure Israel complies with ICJ rulings and to support the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Malaysia remains among the most vocal nations in the group, consistently calling for strong measures — including sanctions — to stop Israel’s military campaign.
Mohamad said global momentum is now increasingly in favour of Palestine, noting that several Western countries have recently recognised Palestinian statehood at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). - September 27, 2025
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