Malaysia backs cease-fire in Gaza, Biden's 3-stage plan to halt Israeli attacks

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) – Malaysia said on Sunday that it "welcomes and supports" any proposal aimed at achieving an "immediate and permanent" cease-fire in the Israel-Gaza conflict, including US President Joe Biden's recently announced three-stage plan.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue conference in Singapore, Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Malaysia "firmly believes Palestinians must be granted the full right to self-determination and dignity, national independence and sovereignty, and the right to freedom of movement," the daily Malay Mail reported.

“The conflict has challenged our very conscience as human beings and tested our courage to confront and condemn acts of genocide,” the minister was quoted as saying by the Malaysian daily.

“In line with the obligations under the Genocide Convention, Israel must immediately halt its military offensive and any other action in Rafah,” he stressed.

He suggested that Singapore, which has hosted Asia's premier defense summit since 2002, invite a Palestinian representative to participate in inclusive and constructive dialogue.