Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia and Germany have called for a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, as well as the release of hostages and immediate humanitarian assistance for the Palestine people.

PETALING JAYA: South Africa regards Malaysia as a key ally in advocating Palestinian rights and self-determination, according to South Africa’s high commissioner to Malaysia David E Malcomson.

GAZA CITY: Israel yesterday said the “intensive” phase of its war on Hamas in devastated southern Gaza would end “soon” as the UN chief pleaded for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire”.

GENEVA: The head of the World Health Organisation said yesterday the health system in Gaza was being destroyed and reiterated his call for a ceasefire.

UNITED NATIONS:  The U.N. Security Council adopted a watered-down resolution Friday calling for immediately speeding aid deliveries to hungry and desperate civilians in Gaza but without the original plea for an “urgent suspension of hostilities” between Israel and Hamas.

GAZA CITY: Israel’s war to destroy Hamas has killed more than 20,000 Palestinians, health officials in Gaza said Friday, as Israel expanded its offensive and ordered tens of thousands more people to leave their homes.

JERUSALEM: The Israeli military on Wednesday said it had uncovered a major Hamas command center in the heart of Gaza City, inflicting what it described as a serious blow to the Islamic militant group as pressure grows on Israel to scale back its devastating military offensive in the coastal enclave.

UNITED NATIONS: The U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to demand a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza in a strong demonstration of global support for ending the Israel-Hamas war. The vote also showed the growing isolation of the United States and Israel.

Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today condemned the US government for opposing the United Nations’ call to end the ongoing bombardment by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip that has killed tens of thousands of non-combatants, including Palestinian children, medical and humanitarian aid workers and displaced tens of thousands more since October.