Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon have jointly called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and renewed efforts to achieve a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. The leaders made this appeal during a joint press conference in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, highlighting the need for urgent international action to end the ongoing conflict.
Joint Call for Ceasefire and Negotiations: “We both are very united in calling for an immediate ceasefire, getting the parties around the negotiating table, and finding a two-state solution,” Luxon stated during the press conference. The two leaders emphasized the importance of diplomatic efforts to bring the conflict to an end, with a particular focus on engaging key international players.
Anwar’s Stance on U.S. Involvement: Prime Minister Anwar expressed concern over the current prospects for a ceasefire, citing a lack of commitment from influential countries, especially the United States.
Malaysia’s Support for Palestine: Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim nation, has long been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause and advocates for a two-state solution as the most viable path to peace. Anwar reiterated Malaysia’s stance, underscoring that while he maintains good relations with the political leadership of Hamas, he has no involvement in its military activities.
New Zealand-Malaysia Defence Cooperation: During his three-day visit to Malaysia, Luxon also announced plans to expand defense cooperation between New Zealand and Malaysia. He revealed that New Zealand would deploy one of its P8 Poseidon patrol and reconnaissance aircraft to Butterworth in Malaysia’s northern Penang state for a joint exercise, signaling a deepening of bilateral ties in defense.
The joint call from Malaysia and New Zealand for an immediate ceasefire and a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict underscores the growing international demand for a peaceful resolution. As global leaders continue to navigate the complexities of this conflict, the involvement of major powers like the United States remains critical in achieving lasting peace.