Foreign Minister Retno: OKI Must Urge The Israel-Palestinian Armistice

Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno MArsudi shook hands with the Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia, Zuhair Al-Shun (right) at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Friday (24/3/2023). (ANTARA/HO-Biro Press Setpres/Lukas/aa)

JAKARTA - Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi urged the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to mobilize any effort to realize a ceasefire agreement as soon as possible between Israel and Palestine.

When speaking at the Extraordinary Meeting of the OKI Foreign Ministers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Retno also urged the OIC to send a strong message and mobilize international support in overcoming the deteriorating conflict situation in Gaza.

"Given that the UN Security Council is unable to carry out its functions, to get stronger international support, the OIC must urge the UN General Assembly to hold an emergency session," Retno said as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, October 18.

Indonesia meminta OKI untuk mendesak semua pihak yang relevan untuk menciptakan koridor kemanusiaan di Gaza, serta memastikan hukum kemanusiaan internasional dihormati.

This is because Israel's unilateral action to block access to electricity, water, and fuel oil and punish civilians is against international law.

Every second means a lot to Palestinians who are threatened with their basic rights. Any attempt that leads to the expulsion of residents in Gaza must be rejected," said Retno.

Furthermore, Indonesia asked the OIC to urge the continuation of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, in order to achieve a two-state solution as the only way to overcome the root of the conflict.

Retno emphasized that lasting peace will not be achieved without the fulfillment of the rights of the Palestinian people.

At the end of the statement, Indonesia reminded again that the OIC was established to free the Palestinian people. Now is the time for the OIC to act and we must act together," he said.

Indonesia does not want to see Gaza's current situation being used by Israel and other countries to eliminate Palestinian issues and the rights of the Palestinian people. Don't let Israel continue its occupation on Palestinian soil," Retno added.

The OIC meeting in Jeddah is considered very important to strengthen the unity of the OIC position in dealing with the situation in Gaza which is increasingly concerning and exacerbated by the latest attack on Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital on Tuesday (17/10).

Indonesia has expressed strong criticism for Israel's attack on civilian facilities, including those targeting the Baptist Hospital, killing at least 500 victims.

In addition, in the OIC meeting, Indonesia also expressed strong criticism of the aggression against civilians in Gaza and all occupied territories in Palestine.

"Israel's request to empty 22 hospitals in Gaza is an inhuman and against international humanitarian law, and should be ignored," Retno said.