RECOGNITION OF PALESTINIAN STATE KEY STEP TO END ZIONIST OCCUPATION

From Mohd Fharkhan Abdul Ghapar

JEDDAH, March 8 (Bernama) -- Recognising Palestine as an independent state is a fundamental step in efforts to liberate its people from the Zionist regime and pave the way for the sustainable reconstruction of Gaza.

Speaking at the Extraordinary Session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers on Friday, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to securing Palestine’s recognition as a full member state of the United Nations (UN) to enshrine its sovereignty and independence.

Mohamad said the recognition of Palestine was not only a pivotal step towards lasting peace but also essential to addressing the humanitarian crisis, establishing a functioning administration, and garnering international support for the recovery and reconstruction of Gaza.

Malaysia also strongly opposes any attempt to annex Gaza or forcibly displace Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan, as proposed by US President Donald Trump.

“The OIC and its member states must prioritise securing international recognition of the State of Palestine as a primary goal while intensifying strategic lobbying efforts and diplomatic initiatives, such as the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, to expedite Palestine’s path to becoming a full UN member,” he said.

The extraordinary session also backed the Arab League’s counter-proposal in response to Trump’s controversial plan to take over the Gaza Strip, which involves the forced transfer of about two million Palestinians to neighbouring countries.

This decision by the 57-member bloc came three days after the Arab League, at its summit in Cairo on March 4, approved a US$53 billion alternative plan for Gaza’s reconstruction, rejecting Trump’s proposal.

The alternative plan for Gaza’s reconstruction, under the future administration of the Palestinian Authority, ensures that Palestinians can remain in their homeland without being relocated. It consists of three phases: emergency assistance, infrastructure reconstruction, and long-term economic development.

Meanwhile, Assoc Prof Dr Khoo Ying Hooi of Universiti Malaya’s Department of International and Strategic Studies opined that the recognition in principle affirmed Palestine’s right as a legitimate political entity at the international level, strengthening its position in negotiations and legal claims.

In the context of Gaza’s reconstruction, she said recognising Palestine as a state could facilitate greater access to international aid, enable it to negotiate as a recognised political entity, and minimise Israeli interference in the rebuilding efforts.

Khoo, however, pointed out that the main challenge remained Israel and its allies, particularly the US, continuing to deny Palestinian rights, despite more than 140 countries having recognised Palestine as a state.

“Without a strong mechanism to uphold sovereignty, this recognition remains merely symbolic, and the Israeli occupation and oppression of Palestinians in Gaza will continue.

“As long as Israel retains control over Gaza and the West Bank’s borders, economic resources, and security, reconstruction efforts will be vulnerable to military threats, economic sanctions, and political uncertainty,” she told Bernama.

Elaborating on the Arab League’s counter-reconstruction plan, Khoo said the alternative proposal was seen as more sustainable, as it reinforced Palestinian sovereignty and human rights by rejecting forced displacement and safeguarding Palestinians’ right to their homeland.

“To ensure this plan is not in vain, several conditions must be met, including international security guarantees through mechanisms such as the UN or regional powers to prevent Israel from continuing to attack Gaza.

“Secondly, financial resources and unrestricted implementation must be ensured, meaning aid and funds should be provided without political conditions that could undermine Palestinian autonomy in rebuilding their territory. Thirdly, global pressure on Israel through economic sanctions, boycotts of Israeli products, and diplomatic efforts to lift the blockade on Gaza,” she said.

Khoo added that the Arab League’s plan would only be effective if supported by diplomatic pressure and a long-term political strategy aimed at securing Palestine’s full sovereignty and stronger international protection.

She pointed out that every time Gaza was rebuilt after an Israeli attack, the regime’s persistent military actions would destroy the infrastructure again, rendering reconstruction efforts futile.

The international relations expert noted that Malaysia’s stance on this crisis, particularly in global forums such as the UN, the OIC, and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), could help exert greater diplomatic pressure.

She emphasised that Malaysia’s firm opposition to any form of ethnic cleansing or forced displacement challenges the US and Israeli narrative, which sought to portray the displacement of Palestinians as part of a ‘redevelopment plan’.

“On the global stage, Malaysia can amplify its role as a voice for the Global South, advocating for the principles of justice, sovereignty, and the Palestinian people’s right to determine their own future.

“Malaysia’s efforts should be accompanied by broader measures, such as supporting economic sanctions on Israel, strengthening ties with with BRICS nations and other international blocs independent of US influence, and increasing pressure through international law, including the International Criminal Court (ICC),” she said.

-- BERNAMA