Thursday January 1, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday condemned Israel’s decision to recognise the self-declared Somali region of Somaliland, 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 such actions violate international law and humanitarian principles.
He warned that any attempt to use Somaliland “for the forced transfer of Palestinians is totally and wholly unacceptable”.
Anwar’s remarks follow a statement by the Palestinian group Hamas on Saturday rejecting Israeli proposals to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza, including to Somaliland, 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 added.
Israel became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as a sovereign state on Friday, a move that has drawn widespread international criticism. Several countries have condemned the decision, describing it as a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has never received international recognition.