Pressure on Israel must go beyond proposed resolutions, says Zahid

ISTANBUL – Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has warned that pressure on Israel must extend beyond mere resolutions if its military actions in Gaza, southern Lebanon, and Syria are to cease. Speaking at a press conference following a roundtable with the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (Seta) in Istanbul, Zahid emphasized that policy changes in Israel following the recent election may not suffice.

He stressed the need for the international community, particularly neighboring countries, to take concrete actions such as legal measures to ensure Israel respects and adheres to ceasefires. As Umno president, Zahid announced the party's intention to collaborate with Seta through the Abdullah Badawi Research Institute, aiming to enhance knowledge-sharing between Malaysia and Türkiye.

This collaboration could involve exchanging research materials and insights, ultimately benefiting both nations in understanding regional and global geopolitical and socioeconomic trends. Seta, an independent think tank focusing on political, economic, and social issues in Türkiye and globally, organized the roundtable as part of Zahid's four-day visit to Türkiye for the TRT World Forum 2026 in Istanbul.