Malaysia

Malaysia intensifies diplomatic pressure on Israel across global platforms, says Foreign Minister

The nation’s aim is to halt violence in Palestine, Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan tells Parliament.

Updated 4 hours ago · Published on 23 Jun 2026 1:51PM

Malaysia intensifies diplomatic pressure on Israel across global platforms, says Foreign Minister
The Government will continue leveraging international forums including the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and BRICS to increase pressure on Israel - June 23, 2026

THE Foreign Minister has reaffirmed the nation’s commitment towards maintaining sustained diplomatic pressure on Israel across multiple international platforms in a bid to end what it describes as ongoing atrocities in Palestine and to support broader efforts toward peace in the Middle East.

Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Malaysia would continue to use key multilateral forums, including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the United Nations (UN) and BRICS, to rally international support against Israeli actions in the region.

Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday, he said he had also been in contact with the incoming President of the UN General Assembly, Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh, to coordinate continued diplomatic efforts to pressure Israel at the global level.

“If possible, we hope to secure the support of more than 140 countries in the upcoming vote at the United Nations. Achieving that level of backing would send a strong message to Israel to halt its incursions into Lebanon, end the atrocities against the Palestinian people in Gaza, and cease its encroachment into the occupied West Bank.

“That is the pressure we want to exert. This is a major issue, and Malaysia must continue to play a proactive diplomatic role at the United Nations and the UN Security Council,” he said.

Mohamad was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN–Tampin) regarding Malaysia’s position on safeguarding navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the government's diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions and preserve peace along the strategic shipping route.

He added that Malaysia was among the first countries to support the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran aimed at easing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, which has experienced heightened instability in recent weeks.

He said stability along one of the world's most strategically important maritime routes was vital not only for the recovery of the global economy but also for Malaysia’s own economic interests.

However, he claimed that Israel appeared unwilling to see those positive developments succeed and was attempting to undermine the ceasefire efforts between the United States and Iran.

“There are parties seeking to derail peace negotiations, including in Lebanon, by continuing to bomb the country. What message does that send? It sends the message that they do not want to see peace prevail in the region,” he said.

Mohamad called on the international community to continue condemning Israel’s actions in order to help restore stability in the Middle East.

In a separate reply in the Dewan Rakyat, the Foreign Minister also addressed concerns over the management of Malaysia’s Humanitarian Trust Fund for the Palestinian People (AAKRP), stressing that the fund is administered under strict governance and that assistance is not distributed indiscriminately to non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

He said the AAKRP, established under the Foreign Ministry, is managed by a special committee chaired by the ministry’s Secretary-General, with every application for humanitarian assistance subject to a rigorous review and approval process before funds are disbursed.

“Every request for assistance from this fund is managed properly. The allegations that have been made are simply not true.

“We will ensure that the assistance provided genuinely reaches those in need. That is why we channel aid directly to organisations on the ground, such as the Palestine Red Crescent Society and others,” he said.

Mohamad was responding to a supplementary question from Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (PN–Sik) concerning the distribution of humanitarian funds, an issue that has generated debate on social media.

He also revealed that humanitarian access to Gaza has improved after months of severe restrictions, enabling Malaysian consignments of aid that had previously been delayed to begin entering the territory through cooperation with Egypt.

He said the immediate priority was to deliver medicines and medical equipment, as many hospitals in Gaza had been destroyed by continued attacks.

“The most urgent need now is medicines and medical equipment because many hospitals in Gaza have been destroyed as a result of the attacks.

“Malaysian humanitarian aid that had been held up for a long time has now begun to enter Gaza,” he said. - June 23, 2026

Spotlight

Community

Penang new top cop looks to AI to help fight online fraud

By Ian McIntyre

World

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces resignation

Malaysia

Zara Inquest: Court to decide in July whether stepsister to testify

Malaysia

Future of our nation rests on the rakyat, not political monkeys

Malaysia

Bersama to contest 15 Johor seats in upcoming state election

Malaysia

Middle East conflict: Costs to Malaysia rise close to 20%, raising food production pressures

Malaysia

MACC probes elephant transfer deal after RM53 million leak claims surface

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Malaysia, Bangladesh seek solution to Rohingya ethnic issue through ASEAN

You may be interested

Malaysia

Johor PRN: Maszlee accepts invitation to debate with Onn Hafiz

Malaysia

Future of our nation rests on the rakyat, not political monkeys

Malaysia

Some writing attributed to Zara not written by teenager - expert

Malaysia

Handwriting expert to testify as Zara Qairina death inquest continues

Malaysia

Bersama to contest 15 Johor seats in upcoming state election

Malaysia

MOF defends 'pay first, challenge later' tax principle under Inland Revenue Law

Malaysia

Parliamentary panel proposes sweeping safeguards to strengthen independence of public prosecutor

Malaysia

Two married couples charged with injuring maid