KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for unified international action to suspend or expel Israel from the United Nations, urging decisive measures in response to what he described as grave humanitarian violations in Gaza.
Speaking at the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Anwar condemned Israel’s ongoing violence against Palestinians as an assault on humanity itself. He asserted that Israel’s actions amount to the systematic targeting of an entire population, requiring urgent intervention, including sanctions, an arms embargo, and possible expulsion from the UN.
“The international community must act swiftly and decisively,” Anwar said. “Malaysia has already called for an arms embargo at the UN General Assembly in September. Now, we must work together to punish and deter Israel’s continuous violations of international laws and norms. The next step is building a global consensus for Israel’s suspension or even expulsion from the United Nations.”
Anwar emphasized that Israel’s actions have placed it outside the global community of nations, demanding action not only for the sake of the Palestinians but also to maintain the integrity of international order.
He denounced Israel’s recent moves against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), accusing Israel of undermining essential humanitarian aid for Palestinian refugees. “By obstructing UNRWA, Israel is collapsing the world’s humanitarian response in Gaza, depriving those who have already lost so much of even basic survival resources,” he said, calling for fortified protections for UNRWA and UN peacekeepers, including nearly 50 nations in Lebanon who have faced aggression from Israeli forces.
Anwar warned that unchecked violence could destabilize the entire region and beyond, noting how Israel’s aggressive actions have already reached Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, and Iran.
Acknowledging the significant challenges facing the Muslim world, Anwar applauded ongoing efforts to seek peaceful solutions through platforms such as the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit, noting the need for sustained efforts to end the suffering of the Palestinian people and to initiate swift reconstruction in Gaza.
“We must draw a line, as Muslims and as fellow humans, united in our shared humanity and a commitment to building a safer, kinder world for our children and future generations,” Anwar said.
