Conditions In Gaza Have Crossed Humanitarian Limits, Indonesia Is Ready To Support Peace Mission

Philips J. Vermonte. (VOI/Fauzi)

JAKARTA - The situation that occurred in the Gaza Strip has crossed the humanitarian limit, and Indonesia is ready to participate in humanitarian missions to sending peace forces.

Chief Expert Staff of the Presidential Communication Office, Philips J. Vermonte, said that the situation in Gaza today, according to him, has reached a point where "what we can provide, at least from a human point of view".

Philips said Indonesia is ready to provide humanitarian support, deliver humanitarian aid by air (airdrop) including with plans to treat Gazans on Galang Island.

"Of course (the treatment of Gazans on Galang Island) requires the aim of parties in the region, so as to ensure this will be assisted and ensure their right to return to Gaza, that's the point," Philips explained to reporters on the sidelines of a discussion held by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta, Wednesday, August 13.

"In my opinion, the culmination point has crossed the humanitarian limit of what happened in Gaza," he said.

Previously, Foreign Minister Sugiono also said that Indonesia's willingness to treat and care for Gazans, especially children, women and parents, had been conveyed by President Prabowo Subianto during a visit to a number of countries.

"With a note, all parties agree. The process is still ongoing," explained the Indonesian Foreign Minister last week.

"We are willing to treat up to 1,000 children or injured victims who need medical treatment. Of course, with the approval of all related parties, neighboring countries, Jordan, Egypt, and of course the Palestinian Authority," said the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

Asked about sending peacekeepers under the United Nations for missions in the Gaza Strip, Philips said he had not received any information on whether President Prabowo had been in contact with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Presiden Prabowo diketahui sudah menyampaikan kesiapan Indonesia berpartisipasi dalam misi pasukan perdamain di Gaza.

Quoted from Reuters, President Macron on Monday proposed deploying an international coalition under the UN mandate to stabilize the Gaza Strip, protect civilians and work in support of the Palestinian government, amid Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plans to carry out operations to resolve the Gaza Strip militarily. President Macron said he had asked his team to work immediately with French partners.

"Pak Prabowo has stated that we are ready if it is necessary and asked to help with such missions," said Philips.

To note, the death toll from Israeli aggression since October 7, 2023 has reached 61,599 people according to the Ministry of Health on Tuesday, as reported by Anadolu, while the injured increased to 154,088 people.

That number included 1,838 people who died and 13,409 others injured while trying to get humanitarian assistance since May 27.

The ministry's report also states that the death toll from hunger and malnutrition has reached 227 people, including 103 of whom are children.