PM Anwar Ibrahim Asks Japan To Accelerate Palestinian Reconstruction After Ceasefire Agreement

JAKARTA - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and will immediately contact Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to hasten the reconstruction plan for Palestine as agreed during his recent visit to Malaysia.

PM Anwar said collaboration and support from partners in East Asia will play an important role in ensuring Gaza's rebuilding will run quickly and effectively.

Anwar also said it was very important to realize that the loss of more than 46,700 Palestinians and more than two million people into refugees, cannot be forgotten.

"Justice and accountability for actions taken during conflict remains important," he added.

More than that, the ceasefire should be a stepping stone to a long-delayed goal of establishing a viable, sovereign and independent Palestinian State. A just and lasting peace depends on the handling of the root causes of this conflict, Anwar said.

Anwar said he appreciated the efforts of Egypt, Qatar and the United States (US) in mediating the negotiations.

He also praised US President-elect Donald Trump for his role in realizing these negotiations.

The international community must ensure that the negotiations are enforced, paving the way for talks to the next stage that will lead to a phase of continued calm and rebuilding Gaza.

The ceasefire agreement in Gaza, Palestine, will be effective on Sunday (19/1). That is an important step to provide assistance to the Gazan people who have suffered tremendous suffering, Anwar said.