REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi attended the UN General Assembly session on Palestine held at the UN headquarters in New York, USA, Tuesday (28/11/2023) local time. On that occasion, he stated that he would support efforts to hold Israel accountable, including through the International Court of Justice.

While making a national statement, Retno said Indonesia could not stand idly by as thousands of innocent women and children in the Gaza Strip died as a result of Israeli attacks. Nor can Indonesia stand idly by the sight of homes, schools, and hospitals razed to the ground.

“I ask whether the countries of the world will remain silent in view of this aggravating situation,” Retno said in a statement after attending the UN General Assembly session on Palestine.

During the hearing, the Minister also questioned whether Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip did not violate international law and international humanitarian law. Retno then outlined four things that must be done if the international community wants to side with justice and humanity regarding the situation in Gaza.

First, the importance of a permanent ceasefire. “Indonesia welcomes the humanitarian pause (in Gaza). However, this is not enough. What is needed is a permanent ceasefire so that lives can be saved and the necessary humanitarian assistance can be provided,” Retno said.

Second, the importance of ensuring unimpeded humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The Foreign Minister stressed that at the moment massive humanitarian assistance is needed in Gaza.

He called on the countries of the world to help the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) and other humanitarian agencies in order to help the 1.7 million refugees in Gaza.

“From the Indonesian side, I convey Indonesia's commitment to increase assistance, including readiness to send hospital ships,” Retno said.

Third, the importance of a sense of justice. Retno reminded that even in a state of war, there are still rules and restrictions that must be imposed.

According to him, neither of those things are visible in Gaza. He highlighted assaults on various civilian facilities. The Minister said that this is not normal. “What happened in Gaza is clearly a violation of international humanitarian law,” she said.

“The application of the double standard must be stopped and Indonesia supports efforts to hold Israel accountable, including at the International Court of Justice,” Retno said.

The next thing Retno thinks needs to be done is the resumption of the political and peace process. “The root problem of the conflict must be resolved, which is Israel's illegal occupation of the Palestinians. Indonesia is also pushing for Palestinian status as a full member of the United Nations in order to have an equal position with Israel in realizing a two-state solution based on agreed international parameters,” Retno said.

Retno said that on Wednesday (29/11/2023) New York time, the UN Security Council will also hold a meeting to discuss the development of the situation in Gaza. The meeting will be chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi as his country becomes president of the Security Council this month.

“I will also attend and convey Indonesia's national position,” Retno said. 

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