Malaysia Secures First ASEAN Consensus Condemning Israeli Actions in Gaza

During its ASEAN chairmanship, Malaysia succeeded in forging a collective statement that condemns both the violence inflicted on Palestinians in Gaza and Israeli military actions, a milestone that had eluded the bloc for years. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan explained that the consensus was achieved despite divergent views among member states, thanks to Malaysia’s diplomatic push. He noted that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has consistently raised the Gaza issue in meetings with foreign leaders, including the German chancellor and multilateral gatherings such as BRICS and APEC.

The statement also reiterates Malaysia’s demand for reforms to the United Nations Security Council, arguing that expanding membership alone will not solve the problem of veto power abuse. Hasan warned that the pattern of unanimous resolutions being blocked by a single veto renders the UN ineffective. The development marks a significant diplomatic win for Malaysia within the regional organization.