KUALA LUMPUR, August 20 - Malaysia reiterated its commitment to supporting efforts in achieving a ceasefire and ensuring lasting peace in Gaza.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim conveyed this when he contacted the President of Iran, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian and a member of the Hamas Political Bureau, Dr Basem Naim, yesterday afternoon.

IN A FACEBOOK POST, Anwar said one of the points of discussion included Turkiye's proposal to bring together the leaders of the Muslim world through an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

It is to coordinate the movement and exert greater pressure on the United States and its allies, to urge Israel to immediately stop the attacks and bombings in Gaza.

"I also expressed the Malaysian government's full support for the effort with the guidance of key countries including Turkiye, Qatar and Iran.

"Alhamdulillah, the Iranian government and Hamas are in agreement and expressed their support for this initiative, including a shared consensus on extending invitations to non-muslim nations that stand for justice and human rights for the Palestinian people, such as South Africa, Brazil, Spain, Ireland, and Portugal.

"At the same time, myself, Dr. Masoud and Dr. Basem believe the effort to create peace requires an unconditional cessation of all military actions and acts of aggression against the Palestinian people by the Israelis," he said.