Indonesia Urges UN General Assembly to Investigate Israeli Attacks in Gaza
Indonesia has urged the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to take immediate action to halt the violence in Gaza.
IDXChannel - Indonesia has urged the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to take immediate action to halt the violence in Gaza.
This appeal was made by Indonesia during an emergency meeting of the UNGA, which discussed Israel's illegal actions in the occupied Palestinian territories, held in New York on Thursday (26)/10/2023).
"We have stood in this hall countless times to alleviate the suffering of our Palestinian brothers and sisters. We have held countless emergency UNGA meetings on the fate of the Palestinian people. But it is equally countless how many times our hopes were dashed due to narrow political interests," said Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.
"My presence here is to defend humanity. Indonesia strongly condemns Israel's violence against Palestine, including attacks on hospitals and places of worship in Gaza. The indiscriminate murder, abduction, and collective punishment of civilians must be condemned as inhumane and in violation of international law," said the Foreign Minister.
The foreign minister mentioned three plus one specific steps that needs to be taken.
First, halting aggression to prevent further civilian casualties. The UNGA must urge an immediate, long-lasting ceasefire that is adhered to. Similar incidents must also be prevented in the future.
"Therefore, the UNGA must demand accountability from Israel, including establishing an independent commission to investigate Israel's attacks on hospitals and places of worship and the mass expulsion of civilians in Gaza," said the Foreign Minister.
Second, ensuring humanitarian access and civilian protection. Indonesia urges the UNGA and relevant UN agencies to increase efforts in providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.
The humanitarian efforts by the UN Secretary-General and key countries must also be supported. Given the magnitude of the damage caused, the existing aid is still far from sufficient.
"Therefore, the UNGA must press for the immediate dispatch of sustainable humanitarian assistance. Indonesia will triple its voluntary contributions through UNWRA and call on the international community to support UNWRA. Indonesia is also committed to sending humanitarian aid," said the Foreign Minister.
Third, rejecting the forced displacement of civilians in Gaza. Israel's call for residents to leave northern Gaza exacerbates the condition of those whose homes have been destroyed and whose access to electricity, gas, fuel, and water has been restricted.
"This is a humanitarian crime. The UNGA must demand the cessation of evacuation orders by Israel. Civilians, especially children, must be protected and provided with a safe environment," said the Foreign Minister.
As for the plus one, it is addressing the root causes of the Israel-Palestine conflict. The Foreign Minister emphasized that peace will not be achieved until the root causes of the conflict are addressed. Therefore, the peace process to achieve a two-state solution must be resumed. Israel's systematic efforts to render negotiations irrelevant must be stopped.
"We cannot let the Palestinian people have no choice but to accept this injustice for the rest of their lives. It is our duty to stop this injustice. Indonesia is ready and will play its role. Indonesia will continue to stand with the Palestinian people," concluded the Foreign Minister. (WHY)