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MALAYSIA was absent from the International Peace Summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt yesterday, after withholding full support for the newly unveiled Gaza peace plan.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra) said Malaysia's cautious stance stems from the plan’s failure to include key components long considered non-negotiable in its foreign policy concerning Palestine.
“These include guarantees for the protection of Palestinians, immediate humanitarian assistance, an end to Israeli occupation, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state,” said the ministry.
“These aspects are fundamental to any long-term peace in the Middle East. Malaysia will continue to advocate for them.”
Although Malaysia welcomed the first-phase ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel — signed on 9 October — Wisma Putra described it as merely an initial step towards halting “the mass killing of Palestinians, famine, and destruction caused by Israel’s war on Gaza.”
The summit, co-hosted by the United States and Egypt, gathered more than 20 heads of state and government, including US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. It marked a formal endorsement of the Gaza peace plan announced on 29 September.
According to Wisma Putra, Malaysia was not among the 24 countries invited to the summit, as invitations were extended only to those offering “unwavering or full support” for the peace proposal upon its release.
While the ceasefire’s first phase — which includes the return of Israeli hostages and the release of Palestinian detainees — has been welcomed internationally, Malaysia emphasised that addressing the conflict’s root causes remains imperative.
“It is worth noting that both Hamas and Israel — the two primary actors in the peace process — were not present at the summit,” the ministry added.
Though some view the summit as a significant diplomatic milestone, Malaysia’s stance highlights the continuing complexities of achieving a comprehensive and sustainable peace in Gaza and the wider region. - October 14, 2025