Malaysia condemns Palestinian displacement as ethnic cleansing

Malaysia sees any proposal for the forced displacement of Palestinians as constituting ethnic cleansing and a violation of international law, the Foreign Ministry said on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump proposed a U.S. takeover of Gaza.

"Malaysia strongly opposes any proposal that could lead to the forced displacement or movement of Palestinians from their homeland. Such inhumane actions constitute ethnic cleansing and are clear violations of international law and multiple UN resolutions," the statement said.

The ministry said it supported a two-state solution as the path to lasting peace and stability.

Muslim-majority Malaysia has been a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause and has long advocated for a two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

Malaysia does not have diplomatic relations with Israel.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said he maintains good relations with the political wing of Palestinian group Hamas but has no connection with its military wing.

Neighboring Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, said late on Wednesday it rejected "any attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians or alter the demographic composition of the Occupied Palestinian Territory."

Any such action would obstruct a two-state solution being realized, the ministry said, saying Indonesia called on the international community to ensure respect for international law.