Malaysia to Carefully Review Any Invitation to Join Gaza Stabilisation Force, Says Mohamad Hasan

MEMBAKUT: Malaysia will thoroughly assess any invitation to join the proposed International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said on Tuesday (Nov 18).

Mohamad stressed that the ISF is not a conventional United Nations peacekeeping mission but a specialized stabilization force with a different operational mandate and engagement rules.

“The ISF is different from the usual peacekeeping forces approved by the United Nations. It has its own terms, including engagement protocols and responsibilities linked to the demilitarization of Gaza,” he told reporters after meeting Barisan Nasional’s election machinery at the Binsulok district polling center.

He said Malaysia would adopt a cautious approach before making any commitments.

“I will bring this matter to the Cabinet for discussion, but so far, there has been no formal invitation. Based on reports, Egypt, Israel, and the United States are the parties currently involved in managing the ISF,” he said.

Mohamad added that Malaysia would need to examine the ISF’s terms of reference carefully, as many details have yet to be finalized. Consultation with international partners will also be a key step.

“We are not fully clear on the terms involved. We need to study them thoroughly and get input from other countries. I want to discuss this with partners in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and with friends in the Arab League,” he said.

As the current ASEAN chair, Malaysia will also seek the views of fellow Southeast Asian member states.

The UN Security Council recently endorsed the establishment of an international force aimed at helping restore security and stability in Gaza once the conflict subsides.