Gaza ISF: Malaysia To Study Any Invitation Carefully  - Mohamad

MEMBAKUT, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will give due consideration if it is invited to participate in the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

He said the ISF is not a traditional peacekeeping mission under the United Nations (UN) banner, but a stabilisation force with a different operational mandate.

“The ISF is different from the usual peacekeeping forces approved by the UN. It has its own terms, including engagement and to support the demilitarisation of Gaza,” he said.

Mohamad, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) deputy chairman, told reporters this after meeting BN election machinery at the Binsulok District Polling Centre in the Membakut state constituency here today.

He also said Malaysia would take a cautious approach before making any final decision on joining the mission.

“I will bring this matter to the Cabinet for us to decide, but there has been no invitation yet because, according to what has been reported, Egypt, Israel and the United States are the parties managing the ISF," he said.

He added that Malaysia would examine the ISF terms of reference, which have yet to be fully detailed, and seek the views of other countries before making any decision.

“We are not very clear yet on the terms involved, so let us study them thoroughly and consult with other countries. I want to discuss this with partners from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and also with friends from the Arab League,” he said.

Mohamad said that as ASEAN Chair, Malaysia would also seek the views of fellow member states in the region.

The UN Security Council recently approved a proposal to establish an international force to help restore security and stability in post-conflict Gaza.

-- BERNAMA