Gaza can't be rebuilt without unconditional ceasefire, says Palestinian envoy [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: Palestinian ambassador to Malaysia Walid Abu Ali has welcomed Malaysia’s RM100 million pledge to rebuild Gaza, but warned that no reconstruction is possible without an unconditional ceasefire.

On Aug 24, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an additional RM100 million in humanitarian aid for Palestine.

The latest contribution will focus on the reconstruction of the region affected by Israel’s genocide and differs in approach to the previous assistance which was more focused on food aid.

Walid described the announcement as “a commendable demonstration of solidarity and humanitarian commitment”.

He said the Palestinian Authority had a comprehensive plan ready for “the day after”, endorsed by the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations, but noted that reconstruction could not begin under ongoing bombardment.

“The last ceasefire was announced in March, but Israel never stopped its daily attacks and incursions in Gaza and the West Bank.

“How can we talk about rebuilding Gaza, which is under fire, without an immediate ceasefire?” he added.

However, Walid said reconstruction was not beyond reach, noting that immediate priorities included food, clean water, medicine, emergency healthcare, shelter and the restoration of hospitals and clinics.

He also said there was a functioning Palestinian government in Ramallah responsible for all Palestinian territories, including Gaza.

“Entities like the Government Operations Room for Emergency Interventions in Southern Governorates and the Ministry of State for Relief Affairs remain the authorised body for coordinating aid.”

Walid said effective in-kind aid distribution should be routed through the Relief Affairs Ministry with partners such as the Palestinian Red Crescent via established corridors.

Cash aid, he added, was managed through the National Cash Working Group under UN coordination which international communities should not bypass.

“While Israeli obstructions (at border crossings) pose challenges, channelling through the legitimate government in Ramallah ensures accountability.”

Calling the obstruction part of a wider pattern of impunity, he noted: “Why these double standards? If the European Union was able to place sanctions against Russia in Ukraine, why can’t they sanction Israel for what they are doing in Palestine?”

Walid urged Malaysians not to limit their understanding of the Palestinian struggle to Gaza alone, saying it also encompasses the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the wider diaspora.

He said attempts to isolate Gaza from the West Bank were part of Israel’s strategy to divide the Palestinian cause.

Ahead of September’s UN General Assembly, Walid pointed to the international community’s responsibility to recognise Palestine as a full member of the UN.

He said Resolutions 242 and 338 had long endorsed a two-state solution, and that Palestinians had accepted this framework and the Arab Peace Initiative.

“Diplomatically and sentiment-wise, we believe we have gained support around the globe, but the Israelis never stopped their genocide and their massacre of our people.”

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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