Malaysia and Brunei urge UN action on Gaza crisis

During the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, leaders from Malaysia and Brunei called for urgent action regarding the crisis in Gaza.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan urged the United Nations to shift its approach from reactive crisis management to proactive prevention. He argued that the current system of responding only after disasters occur—by counting casualties and providing aid—is insufficient for the future of multilateralism. Mohamad emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and full UN membership for Palestine, noting that the veto power often stalls collective action.

Brunei's Foreign Minister, Prince Abdul Mateen, also called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and increased international efforts to implement a two-state solution. Speaking at a high-level meeting, he advocated for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. Additionally, he stressed the importance of respecting international law and the sovereignty of Lebanon while protecting civilians.