(AseanAll)  — Malaysia considers the ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages and those arbitrarily detained achieved on 15 January 2025 as a welcomed development, according to a statement released by Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on January 16,2025.

This is a vital first step to end the 15-month conflict that has cost so many lives, great suffering of Palestinians and devastation of Gaza. The ceasefire will enable fresh delivery of the urgently-needed humanitarian aid critical to save lives of remaining Palestinians in Gaza, especially during the current harsh winter season.

Malaysia commends the Governments of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the State of Qatar, and the United States of America and their respective mediators for their determination and commitment in achieving this agreement. The efforts should now be focused on its effective and full implementation as per the commitment given by the parties concerned.

Malaysia continues to stand in solidarity with Palestine. Malaysia sees an opportunity for the international community to come together for a push for a permanent solution to one of the most protracted conflicts in the world.

Malaysia resolutely supports the Palestinian peoples' right to self-determination, and the creation of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its Capital, as the ultimate objective to achieve sustainable peace and stability in the Middle East.