Indonesian Foreign Minister: War Has Rules And Limits, What Occurs In Gaza Violates Humanitarian Law

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi emphasized that what is happening in the Gaza Strip currently violates international humanitarian law, reminding that war has rules and limits, ensuring that Indonesia will not remain silent.

This was said by Foreign Minister Retno when attending the UN General Assembly session regarding the Gaza situation in New York, United States, Tuesday local time.

"Indonesia cannot stand by watching thousands of innocent women and children die. Indonesia also cannot stand by watching houses, schools and hospitals razed to the ground. And I ask whether the countries of the world will remain silent watching this tragic situation? " said Foreign Minister Retno in a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wednesday, November 29.

Foreign Minister Retno further explained that so far Indonesia and a number of parties have made diplomatic efforts, including being one of the co-sponsors of UN SMU Resolution No. E-10/21, together with a number of OIC Foreign Ministers, approached, among others, permanent member countries of the UN Security Council, by making direct visits to Beijing, Moscow, London and France.

"In front of the UN High School, I also asked: Did what Israel do not violate international law? Did it not violate international humanitarian law?" said Foreign Minister Retno.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs said that if world countries want to defend justice and humanity, there are four things they can do. First, the importance of a permanent ceasefire. He said that Indonesia welcomed the humanitarian pause. But 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.

Second, the importance of ensuring unimpeded humanitarian assistance. Massive humanitarian assistance is needed in Gaza and there is a need to increase humanitarian assistance. According to him, world countries must help UNRWA and other humanitarian agencies to be able to help the 1.7 million refugees in Gaza.

Foreign Minister Retno also conveyed Indonesia's commitment to increasing aid, including readiness to send hospital ships.

"Third, the importance of a sense of justice. I remind you that in war there are rules and limits. We do not see these two things in Gaza. Attacks on various civilian facilities are not normal. I can repeat, not normal," she stressed.

"What is happening in Gaza is a clear violation of international humanitarian law. The application of double standards must be stopped and Indonesia supports efforts to hold Israel accountable, including at the International Court of Justice," she stressed.

Fourth, continued Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno, the importance of resuming the political and peace process. She said that the root of the conflict problem must be resolved, namely Israel's illegal occupation of Palestine.

"Indonesia is also pushing for Palestine's status as a full member of the UN so that it has an equal position with Israel, in realizing a two-state solution based on agreed international parameters," she explained.

"Only by using our hearts, we will be able to defend justice and humanity," concluded Foreign Minister Retno, ending her national statement in front of the UN High School.