3 Indonesian Citizens In Gaza Are Still Difficult To Contact, Foreign Minister: We Continue To Make Efforts

Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs (Menlu) Retno Marsudi (doc the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

JAKARTA - The government is still having difficulty contacting three Indonesian citizens (WNI) who have worked as volunteers at the Indonesian Hospital in Gaza. "He also revealed that the information obtained from various UN institutions and parties in Gaza is still very limited. "While we continue to seek to establish contact, the latest information remains difficult to obtain. However, we will continue to make maximum efforts," added Retno. Fikri Rofiul Haq's whereabouts and safety, Reza Aldilla Kurniawan, and Farid Zanzabil Al Aubai became the main concern after circulating news of an Israeli attack on an Indonesian hospital in Gaza that killed at least 12 people. Even though RS Indonesia has been confirmed as a target of attack, all three MER-C volunteers refused to be evacuated because they are committed to continue the humanitarian mission in Gaza. Meanwhile, the Chair of the MER-C Presidium, Sarbini Abdul Murad revealed from information obtained from various sources in Gaza, three MER-C volunteers in a healthy state. "We received several photos as evidence. They are currently in Indonesian Hospital," said Sarbini. Sarbini also said that there were at least 700 people injured who were being treated, and about 5,000 people were displaced within the facility. The Indonesian government has strongly condemned the Israeli attack on Indonesian hospitals, calling it a real violation of international humanitarian law. Indonesia also urges all countries, especially those with close ties to Israel, to use their influence to encourage Israel to stop such acts of violence.

Last week, Israel also attacked Al-Shifa Hospital and claimed that Hamas had an underground command center hidden under the medical facility. The claim was denied by the Palestinian resistance group. More than 13,000 victims in Gaza have reportedly died from Israeli bombings since October 7, 2023. Meanwhile, the death toll on the Israeli side reached 1,200.