Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced that his country is working on a draft resolution to expel Israel from the United Nations over its consistent violations of international law during the war on Gaza.
"Strong measures, including Israel's removal from the United Nations following Israel's human rights violations and genocidal crimes, must be enforced as soon as possible," he told the Malaysian parliament.
The move was reportedly triggered by Israel’s banning of the United Nations’ agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA.
UNRWA is the primary provider of humanitarian relief to Gaza's beleaguered population, consisting largely of refugees displaced from their homes and land for the establishment of Israel.
Anwar said that Malaysia was firm in its support for the right of Palestinians to establish a sovereign state free from the "dispossession, terrorism, cruelty and genocide" committed by Israel.
At least 43,191 people in Gaza, the vast majority of civilians, have been killed by Israel's brutal war, with over 102,000 injured.
Malaysia has joined a core group of nations drafting the resolution, under which an opinion would be sought from the International Court of Justice regarding Israel’s obligation to permit UN agencies and international organisations to operate in occupied Palestinian territory.
Israel is already facing a case at the ICJ accusing it of genocide, brought by South Africa.
"UNRWA has been the main lifeline for channelling international aid to the people of Palestine for 75 years. Malaysia fully supports UNRWA's critical role, and cooperation with the agency will continue to be strengthened," Anwar said.
Malaysia will also seek support for its resolution at an emergency summit of Arab and Muslim nations over Gaza due to take place in the Saudi capital Riyadh next month.
A country can be expelled from the United Nations if it is proven that it has "persistently violated" UN decisions.
However, a decision requires the approval of the UN Security Council, where the US has consistently used its veto to protect Israel.