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Rebuilding Gaza: Malaysia Becomes First ASEAN Country to Take Action

Rebuilding Gaza: Malaysia Becomes First ASEAN Country to Take Action
Photo by Emad El Byed on Unsplash

Malaysia will become the first ASEAN country to contribute to reconstruction efforts in Gaza. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced on Wednesday that Kuala Lumpur will build schools, hospitals and mosques in areas devastated by Israeli aggression since October 2023.

This announcement comes amid a ceasefire that entered its second week since January 19. Anwar emphasized that after the brutal massacre that killed more than 47,000 people and left over two million Palestinians displaced, tangible steps toward Gaza’s recovery must be implemented immediately.

“Malaysia will mobilize efforts to build a school, hospital, and mosque in Gaza to help alleviate the suffering endured by the Palestinian population,” Anwar said on X.

Joint Effort in Gaza Reconstruction

The reconstruction of Gaza will not proceed alone. Anwar stressed that this effort will involve the community, the private sector, and collaboration with Japan through the East Asia program.

Malaysia and Japan plan to launch a special fund to support the rebuilding of vital infrastructure destroyed by the attacks since October 2023. Anwar previously estimated the reconstruction cost could exceed US$1 trillion, given that mosques, schools, hospitals, and housing have been obliterated.

As part of this commitment, Japan has invited Malaysia to serve as a co-chair in CEAPAD, an East Asia cooperation forum focused on the recovery of Palestine.

Ceasefire Brings Hope for Peace

For information, this ceasefire was achieved through the mediation of Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. and allowed for the exchange of 33 Hamas hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

This agreement offers hope for an end to the violence following Israel’s attacks on Palestinians, which have created a deep humanitarian crisis. The significance of the ceasefire is underscored by reports of widespread destruction, leaving over 111,000 people injured and 11,000 missing.

As the cause of one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters, Israel now faces war crime charges at the International Criminal Court, with arrest warrants issued for Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

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