MALAYSIANS STRONGLY ADVISED TO LEAVE LEBANON VOLUNTARILY

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Malaysians in Lebanon are advised to make immediate arrangements to leave the country voluntarily amid the deteriorating situation.

In a statement on Wednesday (Sept 25), the Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) also urged Malaysian citizens to defer all travel to Lebanon until the situation there returns to normalcy.

For Malaysians requiring consular assistance, the Embassy of Malaysia in Beirut can be contacted at Lot 170, Saad Zaghloul Street, Downtown, Beirut, Republic of Lebanon or by telephone number +961 7677 2527, +961 7138 0063 or by email at mwbeirut@kln.gov.my, it added. 

According to the ministry, Malaysia strongly condemns the recent airstrikes by the Israeli Zionist regime in Lebanon, which have resulted in the deaths of more than 500 people and left over 1,600 injured.

“These indiscriminate attacks have displaced thousands and constitute a grave violation of international law, international humanitarian law, and international human rights law,” the statement read.

It added that such aggression cannot be condoned by the international community, as it violates Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. 

The Foreign Ministry said the unilateral military operations only serve to inflame regional tensions further, jeopardising not just Lebanon but also posing significant risks to neighbouring countries and the broader international community.

“It is preposterous that the Israeli Zionist regime is expanding its military operations into Lebanon and at the same time continuing its genocidal rampage in Gaza, all under the watchful eyes of the international community. This blatant disregard for human life and international norms is unacceptable and must be met with resolute action,” the statement read. 

Meanwhile, Malaysia called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to take immediate and decisive action to halt the disproportionate attacks in both Palestine and Lebanon, with the paramount goal of unequivocally protecting civilians, the ministry stated.

It is imperative for the international community to act swiftly and cohesively, it added.

“Malaysia urged the UNSC to exercise its charter-mandated responsibility to end the cycle of violence. Diplomatic engagement and a commitment to dialogue are essential for fostering lasting peace and stability in the region,” the statement read.

-- BERNAMA