Premier of Malaysia and his New Zealand counterpart Chris Luxon have jointly called for the immediate ceasefire in Gaza, Palestine.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and New Zealand’s PM Chris Luxon have called for finding a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.
“We both are very united in calling for an immediate ceasefire, getting the parties around the negotiating table and finding a two-state solution,” Luxon said at a joint press conference.
Anwar asserted that the prospects for a ceasefire did not look encouraging at present, there is a lack of commitment from countries, particularly from the United States, who could exert their influence to stop the conflict. “The only hope is to engage the United States to take a stronger stance,” Anwar said.
Moreover, several US lawmakers have renewed their demand to for a ceasefire in Gaza after bodies of hostages were found. Bodies of six hostages were found in the tunnel in Gaza. Republicans have criticized President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for not giving stronger support to Israel.
Read more: Israel confirms deaths of six hostages in Gaza
“They continue to encourage and embolden Hamas,” with calls for a ceasefire, said Republican Senator Tom Cotton.
Asked what Netanyahu’s government should do in the face of growing protests in Israel, Cotton said: “I would urge him to finish the job against Hamas, which is exactly what Kamala Harris and Joe Biden should have done from the very beginning.”
In a statement released by the White House on Saturday night, Harris did not call for a ceasefire but condemned Hamas.
“Hamas is an evil terrorist organisation. With these murders, Hamas has even more American blood on its hands. I strongly condemn Hamas’ continued brutality, and so must the entire world,” Harris said. Israel has also confirmed the death of six hostages.