Israel’s ceasefire violation: Will the Asean chairman speak up at the summit?

Israel's recent breach of the Gaza truce brokered by the Trump administration marks yet another flagrant disregard for international diplomacy and human rights. 

This act not only undermines ongoing efforts toward peace in the Middle East but also desecrates the moral conscience of the international community.

Multiple reports say Israel has committed dozens of violations since the truce took effect. There were at least 47 ceasefire breaches, resulting in 38 Palestinians killed and over 140 injured. Medical teams examining returned Palestinian bodies have reported signs of torture and execution, in what human rights observers describe as deliberate acts of cruelty and defiance of international law.

Such actions make it clear that the so-called ceasefire has been rendered meaningless by continuous aggression and systematic violence.

As chairman of Asean, Malaysia now bears a critical moral and diplomatic responsibility to mobilise regional unity in condemning Israel’s actions and to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people. 

Asean must demonstrate that it is not indifferent to injustice and that its principles of peace, human dignity and sovereignty are not negotiable.

At present, several Asean member states — Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos — maintain formal diplomatic relations with Israel. 

Meanwhile, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei have consistently refused to recognise or engage with Israel in protest of its continued occupation and violations against Palestinians.

Malaysia should take the initiative to diplomatically persuade Asean members to suspend or downgrade their relations with Israel, including the closure of Israeli embassies and the freezing of bilateral engagements. This would not only express Asean’s collective outrage but also reinforce regional solidarity with the global movement to isolate Israel through peaceful, lawful, and moral means.

While the protests by Malaysian citizens reflect the deep compassion and solidarity of the people toward the Palestinian cause, the effectiveness of these actions ultimately depends on the government’s willingness to take serious diplomatic steps. 

Public outrage must be transformed into concrete policy through coordinated government action, Asean advocacy, and strong international diplomacy. Only then can Malaysia’s voice carry real influence and contribute meaningfully to global pressure against Israel’s violations.

The power of diplomacy lies in the unity of nations committed to justice. Just as South Africa was once isolated through sustained international pressure that eventually dismantled apartheid, Israel too can be compelled to alter its behaviour when the world stands firm. 

Through coordinated Asean diplomacy, Malaysia can lead efforts to pressure Israel politically, economically and morally through boycotts, sanctions, and diplomatic isolation within international platforms such as the UN, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement.

By standing as a united moral force, Asean can demonstrate that it is not merely an economic bloc, but a principled community of nations that values justice, peace, and humanity above political convenience. 

Malaysia’s leadership at this juncture could set a new precedent, positioning Asean as a moral conscience of the Global South, and a defender of the oppressed.

Iskandar Khoo represents the Kepong division of Perikatan Nasional.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of MalaysiaNow.