Urges U.N. To Stop Israeli Aggression, Foreign Minister Retno: Need International Presence In Al-Quds

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi called for an end to violence and a ceasefire, linked to clashes between Palestinians and Israelis, to avoid falling civilian casualties, especially women and children.

This was conveyed in the General Debate of the 67th Plenary Session, United Nations General Assembly (SMU) which took place at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, United States, Thursday, May 20, at local time.

The 67th Plenary Session discussed agenda 37 on the situation in the Middle East and agenda 38 on the Palestinian issue.

"Israel's constant occupation and aggression must not only be condemned but also a gross violation of international law. The UN must take real action immediately," said Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.

More specifically, Foreign Minister Retno urged the UN to do three things that need to be done, to stop Israeli aggression. First, a cessation of violence and military action to prevent more casualties.

"The UN General Assembly needs to urgently implement a sustainable and fully respected ceasefire. Every means must be taken to defuse the situation as soon as possible, and we support the efforts of the Secretary-General of the United Nations on this matter," she said.

To prevent a future recurrence of Israeli brutality, she continued, an international presence in Al-Quds is needed to monitor and ensure the safety of Palestinians in the occupied territories. The international presence also aims to protect Al-Haram Al-Sharif's status as the holy site of three religions.

The second step that Indonesia calls for is to ensure access to humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians. The U.N. General Assembly along with other U.N. agencies need to step up efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the affected Palestinians.

"The U.N. General Assembly should urge Israel to open and allow access to humanitarian aid deliveries, including in Gaza, which has been under siege for more than 13 years," said the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

Third, encourage credible multilateral negotiations based on internationally agreed parameters to achieve a "two-state solution". The U.N. General Assembly has a moral and political obligation to ensure the peace negotiations take place.

"We must stop the systemic efforts of the occupying forces (Israel) which may not leave anything to negotiate. Do not let the Palestinian people no longer have a choice but to accept injustice throughout their lives," said the Foreign Minister.

Retno Marsudi insists that all forms of injustice must be ended immediately. The world must continue to provide support for Palestinian independence and fight injustice.

"Today we hold this meeting for one purpose, which is to ensure justice for the Palestinian people. The meeting will be seen as a test for multilateralism. We must remain committed and united in our efforts against Israel's illegal actions in order to end the occupation of Palestine," she said.

On the same occasion, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire, particularly in the Gaza Strip. The U.N. secretary-general expressed deep sadness over the destruction of basic infrastructure in Gaza and the anguish facing children.

"It is important to continue to maintain the status quo of Jerussalem. The construction of illegal settlements, expulsions, and demolitions of houses is contrary to international humanitarian law and human rights," said the Secretary-General of the United Nations.