Indonesia Urges UN Security Council to Stop Genocide in Gaza

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has participated in the United Nations (UN) Security Council open debate on the situation in the Middle East.

IDXChannel - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has participated in the United Nations (UN) Security Council open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. 

The open debate was held in New York City on Tuesday afternoon local time or Wednesday morning Jakarta time.

"I am here today for the third time in three months, joining the Council's debate on Palestine to reaffirm Indonesia's unwavering commitment to stand with Palestine; to declare that Indonesia will not rest until we see justice and dignity restored for the Palestinian people," Retno said in his speech.

"I am also here to remind Council members that you have a great mandate to maintain international peace and security, not to tolerate wars and especially not genocide," she added.

On 18 January, Israeli Prime Minister benjamin Netanyahu openly declared he would not allow a Palestinian state to exist.

"Indonesia strongly rejects this statement. This statement is unacceptable. This confirms Israel's ultimate goal to wipe Palestine from the world's map. Will this Council remain silent in the face of such intention?" Retno asked.

According to Retno, a threat of full-blown war in the Middle East is a real and present danger. In this context, she emphasized the following:

"First, we demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire. This will be a game-changer for everything. Most importantly, it will provide space to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza, begin work on post-conflict reconstruction, and the process for the two-state solution," she stated.

"Second, Palestine must be granted immediate full membership in the UN. This is essential to start fair and balanced work on the two-state solution and to stop Israel's brutal aggression. And third, stop the flow of arms to Israel. Every weapon sent to Israel can be used to kill innocent civilians," she concluded. (WHY)