Malaysian PM Anwar and President Macron call for Gaza ceasefire, hostage release, and uninterrupted humanitarian aid

Malaysian PM Anwar and President Macron call for Gaza ceasefire, hostage release, and uninterrupted humanitarian aid
[Paris, July 5, 2025] – Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and French President Emmanuel Macron have jointly called for a ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate release of hostages, and the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid. The leaders made their appeal during a joint press conference on Friday at the Élysée Palace in Paris.

Ceasefire and two-state solution

President Macron stated:

“We both agree on the urgent need for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate release of hostages.”

He emphasized:

“A two-state solution remains the only viable resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We are working with partners, including Saudi Arabia, to pursue this goal. But for now, Israel must allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza without obstruction.”

Anwar: ‘Collective action for peace is essential’

Prime Minister Anwar, praising Macron’s efforts, remarked:

“We have consistently condemned the brutal attacks on innocent women and children. It is deeply regrettable that the international community has yet to offer a real solution to this crisis.”

He continued:

“To achieve peace, both parties must come to the table. We fully support the two-state solution and commend your initiatives in that direction.”

Malaysia’s warning on Iran-Israel and nuclear policy

Anwar also addressed growing tensions between Iran and Israel, warning:

“Malaysia strongly condemns Israel’s military aggression against Iran. If the world says ‘no’ to Iran’s nuclear program but says ‘yes’ to Israel’s, then that creates a double standard — which only worsens the crisis.”

He added:

“Iran has already pledged peaceful use of nuclear energy and has granted inspection access. This must be respected.”

Macron urges IAEA cooperation and renewed nuclear commitment

In response, President Macron said:

“Iran must reaffirm its commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and repeal legislation that restricts cooperation with the IAEA.”

He called for a new agreement that would:

“Prohibit uranium enrichment for weapons, but preserve the right to peaceful nuclear energy.”

Macron added that he had discussed the matter with Iranian President, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and U.S. President Donald Trump just a day earlier.

“We will soon engage with other UN Security Council members on this issue,” he said.

Concerns over Ukraine war and North Korean presence

On the war in Ukraine, Macron declared:

“We are calling for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine. Russia’s aggression is not only destabilizing Europe, but the entire global order.”

He expressed alarm over new developments:

“We are now witnessing North Korean troop presence on European soil — this marks a dangerous escalation.”