ISTANBUL 

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday rejected Israel’s recognition of the breakaway Somali territory of Somaliland, while linking the move with the alleged "forced transfer of Palestinians."

"Such actions violate international law and humanitarian principles, and would only perpetuate injustice rather than contribute to peace," he said during a news conference, according to the Malaysian daily The New Straits Times.

Anwar said that any attempt to use the territory "for the forced transfer of Palestinians is totally and wholly unacceptable."

The remarks come as the Palestinian group Hamas on Saturday rejected Israeli plans to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza, including to Somaliland, following Tel Aviv’s recognition of the breakaway region.

Anwar, while noting the recent discussions held in Florida for the next phase of the peace process, warned that any return to large-scale violence would exact an "intolerable cost" on civilians and further weaken fragile prospects for peace.

"Israel must be held accountable for its actions and obligations under international law," he added.

Israel became the world’s first country to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state on Friday.

Global backlash grew over Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, with many countries condemning the move as a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability.

On Friday, Somalia reiterated its absolute and non-negotiable commitment to its sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.

Somaliland, which has lacked official recognition since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, operates as a de facto independent administrative, political, and security entity, with the central government struggling to assert control over the region and its leadership unable to secure international recognition of independence.