Photo Caption: Indonesian Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, speaking at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting addressing the issue of Israel’s invasion of Gaza, Palestine.
NEW YORK, JAKTIMES.COM – After previously urging the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to take immediate action to stop the violence in Gaza, Indonesia is now also urging the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to do the same.
This call was made by Indonesia during an emergency meeting of the UNGA discussing Israel’s illegal actions in the occupied Palestinian territories, held in New York on October 26.
Speaking not only as a Foreign Minister but also as a woman, a mother, and a grandmother, Retno appealed for an immediate cessation of violence in Gaza, the protection of civilians, and the swift delivery of humanitarian aid. She also implored UN member states to act with their hearts in defense of justice and humanity.
“We have lost count of how many times we have stood in this hall to alleviate the suffering of our Palestinian brothers and sisters. We have lost count of how many emergency UNGA meetings have been held on the fate of the Palestinian people. However, we have also lost count of how many times our hopes have been dashed due to narrow political interests,” said Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, as quoted by JAKTIMES.COM from the official website of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on October 27, 2023.
The Foreign Minister noted that the world seems to be turning a blind eye to the tragedy unfolding in Gaza. Despite this, attacks and massacres in Gaza continue unabated. In the midst of this disaster, the UNSC has regrettably failed to take the necessary steps.
Therefore, the UNGA must perform the role that the UNSC has not fulfilled. The UNGA must demonstrate that the United Nations upholds human dignity and human life.
“My presence here is to advocate for humanity. Indonesia strongly condemns the violence carried out by Israel against Palestine, including attacks on hospitals and places of worship in Gaza. Killings, abductions, and collective punishment of civilians without discrimination must be denounced as inhumane and in violation of international law,” said the Foreign Minister.
The Foreign Minister mentioned three plus one specific steps that urgently need to be taken.
First, halting the aggression to prevent further civilian casualties. The UNGA should urge an immediate and lasting ceasefire that can be adhered to. Measures should also be taken to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
“For this reason, the UNGA should demand accountability from Israel, including the establishment of 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 access to humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians. Indonesia calls on the UNGA and relevant UN agencies to enhance efforts in providing humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. Humanitarian efforts led by the UN Secretary-General and key nations must also be supported. Given the magnitude of the damage caused, the current aid is far from sufficient.
“Therefore, the UNGA must urge the immediate and sustainable delivery of humanitarian aid. Indonesia will triple its voluntary contribution 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 situation for those whose homes have been destroyed, with restricted access to electricity, gas, fuel, and water.
“This is a humanitarian crime. The UNGA must urge the cessation of evacuation orders by Israel. Civilians, especially children, must be protected and provided with a safe environment,” said the Foreign Minister.
The plus one step is addressing the root causes of the Israel-Palestine conflict. The Foreign Minister emphasized that peace will not be achieved until the root of the conflict is addressed. Therefore, the peace process to realize a two-state solution must be restarted. Israel’s systematic efforts to render negotiations irrelevant must be halted.
“We must ensure that the Palestinian people do not have to accept injustice for the rest of their lives. It is our duty to stop this injustice. Indonesia is ready and committed to play its role. Indonesia will stand with the Palestinian people,” the Foreign Minister concluded, inviting participants in the UNGA to adopt the UNGA draft resolution on Palestine (General Assembly Draft Resolution, 10th Emergency Special Session). (Marwan Azis)
