JAKARTA: Indonesia has urgently called for an immediate end to the escalating violence in Gaza after the Indonesian-run hospital in the northern Gaza Strip city of Beit Lahia was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike. The latest bout of violence between Palestinian group Hamas and Israeli forces erupted over the weekend, resulting in a multi-front attack by Hamas countered by Israeli air raids on Gaza, where approximately 2.3 million Palestinians reside.
Indonesia is deeply concerned with the escalation of conflict between Palestine and Israel.
Indonesia urges the immediate end of violence to avoid further human casualties.
— MoFA Indonesia (@Kemlu_RI) October 8, 2023
The Indonesia Hospital, a significant medical facility funded by the Indonesian nongovernmental organization Medical Emergency Rescue Committee (MER-C), became one of the structures hit by Israeli forces on Saturday. Tragically, the attack claimed the life of one of the hospital’s local staff members.
In a statement, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern over the conflict’s escalation and urged an immediate halt to the violence to prevent further loss of human lives. The statement reiterated the need to address the root cause of the conflict, highlighting the occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel, calling for its resolution in accordance with the UN-agreed parameters.
“The direct attack on the Indonesia Hospital complex in Beit Lahia, Gaza Strip on Saturday appears to amplify how, in the Israel-Palestine war, international humanitarian law is never under consideration for Israel,” remarked MER-C, underscoring the urgency of respecting international laws even amid conflict.
Indonesia Expresses Solidarity with Palestinians
Indonesia, a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause, has consistently stood against the Israeli occupation, advocating for Palestinian statehood in line with pre-1967 borders. The country, with the world’s largest Muslim-majority population, has no diplomatic ties with Israel and continues to urge the UN Security Council to enforce resolutions related to Palestine.
Akar konflik tersebut, yaitu pendudukan wilayah Palestina oleh Israel harus diselesaikan, sesuai parameter yang sudah disepakati PBB.
— MoFA Indonesia (@Kemlu_RI) October 8, 2023
Indonesian organization Aqsa Working Group (AWG), based in Bogor, West Java, also expressed its solidarity with the Palestinians, characterizing the attack as a logical response to the injustices faced by the people of Palestine. The group’s statement highlighted the frustration with the lack of substantial international efforts to bring peace and independence to Palestine and the revered Al-Aqsa Mosque, emphasizing the need for a just resolution to the ongoing crisis.
