January 1, 2026 | 10:15 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, rejected Israel's recognition of Somaliland as a separate entity from Somalia. Anwar linked this move to the alleged forced transfer of Palestinian residents.
"Such actions violate international law and humanitarian principles, and would only perpetuate injustice rather than contribute to peace," he said in a press conference, as reported by Malaysian daily The New Straits Times, cited from Anadolu.
Anwar stated that the forcible transfer of Palestinian residents is utterly unacceptable.
The statement came after the Palestinian group Hamas on Saturday rejected Israel's plans to forcibly move Palestinian residents from Gaza, including to Somaliland, following Tel Aviv's recognition of the seceded territory.
Anwar Ibrahim noted recent discussions held in Florida for the next phase of the peace process. He warned that a return to large-scale violence would impose unbearable costs on civilians and further weaken the fragile prospects for peace.
"Israel must be held accountable for its actions and obligations under international law," he stated.
Last Friday, Israel became the first country in the world to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state.
Many countries condemned Israel's move, calling it a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability. On Friday, after Israel recognized Somaliland, Somalia reaffirmed its absolute and unwavering commitment to its sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity.
Since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, Somaliland has not received official recognition. It operates as a de facto independent administrative, political, and security entity. Its government struggles to assert control over the territory, and its leadership has been unable to secure international recognition of its independence.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also criticized Israel's recognition of Somaliland. He stated that his country does not want Israel present in Somaliland and warned that Tel Aviv's recognition of the seceded territory risks bringing their conflict to the region.
"We have never attacked Israel. We have never created a problem for Israel. We don't want Israel to come to us and bring their problem to us," Mohamud told TRT World.
Earlier, Mohamud had said that the seceded Somaliland had agreed to resettle Palestinian residents. Somaliland also reportedly agreed to host an Israeli military base in exchange for recognition from Israel, citing intelligence reports.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has since operated as an independent territory without international recognition. Mogadishu rejects Somaliland's independence claim, considering the territory as part of Somalia and viewing any direct involvement with it as a violation of national sovereignty.
Read: 21 Countries Condemn Israel's Recognition of Somaliland
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
New Year Celebration in Malaysia: 7 Best Spots to Ring in 2026
14 jam lalu
Join the most festive New Year celebrations in Malaysia, from KLCC to Penang, and ring in a new chapter with dazzling fireworks, festivals, and more.
Thailand Releases 18 Cambodian Soldiers After Ceasefire Deal
18 jam lalu
Thailand freed 18 Cambodian soldiers Wednesday after 155 days in detention, following a renewed border ceasefire.
Malaysia's Public Holiday 2026: Full Calendar & Travel Tips
2 hari lalu
Discover your handy guide to Malaysia's public holiday 2026 to help you plan a smooth trip, complete with key dates and practical travel tips.
Ex-Malaysian PM Najib Razak Appeals Court Decision Rejecting House Arrest
2 hari lalu
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak appeals against the High Court's rejection of the house arrest request
Malaysian Tourists Flock to Whoosh for Year-End Holidays in West Java
3 hari lalu
KCIC revealed that thousands of tourists from Malaysia used the Whoosh high-speed train for holiday during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Former Malaysian PM Najib Razak Found Guilty in 1MDB Corruption Case
3 hari lalu
The High Court in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has ruled former Prime Minister Najib Razak guilty in the 1MDB corruption case.
Today's Top 3 News: New Cyclone Seed Brings Heavy Rainfall to Bali, Nusa Tenggara
4 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Malaysia: Ex-PM Najib Razak Sentenced to 15 Years on New Charges
5 hari lalu
Former prime minister Najib Razak had already been convicted for graft and money laundering linked to the 1MDB investment fund.
Malaysia Close to Surpass Indonesia's Car Sales in 2025
8 hari lalu
Gaikindo previously revised the car sales target this year to 780,000 units. Malaysia is dangerously close to surpassing the numbers.
Malaysia Court Rejects Najib Razak's House Arrest Plea
9 hari lalu
The Malaysian High Court rejects former PM Najib Razak's plea for house arrest.
