JAKARTA: Indonesia and Malaysia have called on the United Nations to unite against Israel following an Israeli airstrike that killed more than 100 Palestinian civilians at a school in Gaza City. The attack, which occurred early on Saturday morning, is reported to be at least the 21st strike on schools in Gaza over the past 40 days.
The Al-Tabin school, which was sheltering displaced Palestinians, was hit by at least three Israeli missiles while the displaced Palestinians were performing dawn prayers at a mosque inside the facility. Early reports from paramedics and witnesses describe the aftermath as catastrophic, with many victims’ bodies being described as “ripped to pieces,” making identification extremely difficult.
Indonesia and Malaysia have condemned the action and called on the United Nations to take decisive measures against Israel.
In a statement, the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the international community to no longer tolerate Israel’s actions. “Malaysia continues to call for Israel’s allies to compel Israel to immediately stop the killings of innocent Palestinians and to cease providing Israel with the tools to continue this genocide. An immediate, urgent, and decisive action by the UN Security Council is needed to enforce a permanent ceasefire,” the statement read.
Malaysia further criticized Israel for a lack of desire for peace and called on other member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to unite with UN member states in demanding compliance with the UN Security Council resolution passed in June, which called for a ceasefire in Gaza.
According to official estimates, Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which has lasted more than 300 days, has resulted in nearly 40,000 Palestinian deaths. A recent study published in the Lancet journal suggests that the actual death toll could exceed 186,000.
The latest airstrike has intensified international condemnation, with the UN Human Rights Office reporting that the attack on the Al-Tabin school is at least the 21st strike on schools repurposed as shelters since July 4. These strikes have collectively resulted in at least 274 Palestinian deaths, including many women and children.
Indonesia has also called for a comprehensive investigation into the massacre. The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanded that the international community unite to halt what it describes as crimes against humanity and genocide committed by Israel.
“Israel must be held accountable for all these crimes, and all forms of impunity must be brought to an end,” the Indonesian statement emphasized.
