JAKARTA: Indonesia has strongly urged the international community to intervene and prevent Israeli ministers’ proposals to displace Palestinians from Gaza, along with plans for building Israeli settlements in the besieged Palestinian territory.
Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have publicly advocated for the displacement of 2.3 million Palestinians from Gaza, where three months of Israeli airstrikes and ground attacks have resulted in extensive casualties and destruction.
Ben Gvir recently described the war in Gaza as an “opportunity to concentrate on encouraging the displacement of the residents of Gaza,” asserting that it was a “correct, just, moral, and humane” solution. Meanwhile, Smotrich asserted Israel’s intention to permanently control Gaza and urged the relocation of its residents to countries willing to accept refugees.
Such statements have drawn international condemnation, as the forced displacement of civilians from occupied territory is prohibited under the Geneva Convention and considered a potential war crime.
Indonesia Strongly Condemns Israel’s Proposals
Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement strongly condemning and rejecting the Israeli ministers’ proposals. The statement emphasized that these plans disregarded the rights of the Palestinians and violated international law. Indonesia, a steadfast supporter of Palestine, called on the international community to prevent the proposed agenda from becoming a reality.
Indonesia’s commitment to the Palestinian cause is rooted in its constitution, which mandates the abolition of colonialism and supports the establishment of Palestinian statehood.
Israel’s relentless bombardment of Gaza over the past three months has left approximately 70 percent of homes destroyed or damaged, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. The vital infrastructure that sustained the territory, including water, electricity, and healthcare facilities, is now beyond repair.
On Friday, the UN humanitarian chief, Martin Griffiths, expressed deep concern, stating that “Gaza has simply become uninhabitable.” He highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis, with medical facilities under relentless attack and hospitals overwhelmed with trauma cases. Griffiths called for urgent global attention to prevent a further escalation of the dire situation in Gaza, where people face famine and a looming public health disaster.
