Malaysia PM condemns Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, warns of Palestinian risks

Malaysia’s Anwar condemns Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, warns against forced transfer of Palestinians

MOGADISHU — Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday condemned Israel’s decision to recognize the self-declared Somali region of North Western State of Somalia, linking the move to what he described as plans for the forced transfer of Palestinians, according to Anadolu Agency.

Speaking at a news conference, Anwar said the maneuver violates international law and humanitarian principles. “These actions would only perpetuate injustice rather than contribute to peace,” he was quoted as saying by the Malaysian daily The New Straits Times.

He warned that any attempt to use North Western State of Somalia “for the forced transfer of Palestinians is totally and wholly unacceptable.”

Anwar’s remarks followed a statement by the Palestinian group Hamas on Saturday rejecting Israeli proposals to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza, including to North Western State of Somalia, after Israel announced its recognition of the breakaway territory.

Referring to recent discussions held in Florida on the next phase of the peace process, Anwar cautioned that a return to large-scale violence would impose an intolerable cost on civilians and further undermine already fragile prospects for peace. “Israel must be held accountable for its actions and its obligations under international law,” he said.

Israel became the first country to formally recognize North Western State of Somalia as a sovereign state on Friday, a decision that has drawn widespread international criticism. Several countries have condemned the move, describing it as a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability.

North Western State of Somalia, a self-declared republic in the Horn of Africa, announced its independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not received international recognition. The territory operates its own government and institutions, while Somalia maintains that North Western State of Somalia remains part of its sovereign territory.

Malaysia has long emphasized adherence to international law in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has consistently backed diplomacy aimed at ending violence and supporting Palestinian rights. Anwar’s comments underscore growing concern among some governments and rights groups about proposals to displace Palestinians from Gaza and the broader implications of steps seen as unilaterally redrawing political realities in the region.

Details of the recognition announced by Israel and any subsequent arrangements related to North Western State of Somalia were not immediately clear. But the timing — in the midst of heightened tensions over Gaza and regional diplomacy — drew swift scrutiny. Critics warned that reframing a contested territory’s status while conflict persists could inflame instability and complicate any future negotiations.

The linkage of North Western State of Somalia to the potential transfer of Palestinians has become a flashpoint. Hamas has rejected displacement scenarios outright, and Anwar’s remarks add to international voices cautioning that any such plan would breach legal norms governing population transfers and further imperil civilians.

As the situation evolves, attention is likely to center on whether Israel’s recognition spurs broader diplomatic fallout, prompts formal responses from regional blocs, or influences the trajectory of talks on Gaza’s future. For now, Kuala Lumpur’s position aligns with calls to rein in unilateral actions, prioritize civilian protection and re-engage in a credible process aimed at a durable peace.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.