Malaysia and New Zealand leaders demand immediate Gaza ceasefire
- Anwar cites a lack of commitment from influential countries, particularly the US, to stop the conflict.
- Malaysia supports the Palestinian cause and advocates for a two-state solution.
- Luxon announced New Zealand’s expansion of defense cooperation with Malaysia and a joint exercise.
On Monday, Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon united in calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the pursuit of a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.
“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 said at a joint press conference.
Anwar stated that the prospects for a ceasefire currently look bleak, citing a lack of commitment from influential countries, particularly the United States, to stop the conflict.
“The only hope is to engage the United States to take a stronger stance,” Anwar said.
Malaysia, a Muslim-majority country, staunchly supports the Palestinian cause and has consistently advocated for a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians. Anwar maintains strong relations with the political leadership of the Palestinian group Hamas but emphasizes that he is not involved in its military activities.
During his three-day visit to Malaysia, Luxon announced that New Zealand would expand defense cooperation with Malaysia. He also revealed that New Zealand is deploying one of its Air Force’s P-8 Poseidon patrol and reconnaissance aircraft to Butterworth in Malaysia’s northern Penang state for a joint exercise.
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