Speech At UN DK, Foreign Minister Retno: We Have Responsibility To Enforce International Humanitarian Law

Foreign Minister Retno at the UN DK meeting on Gaza. (Source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi urged the United Nations Security Council (DK PBB) to immediately stop the horror of Palestinians in Gaza as a result of Israeli actions while attending the council meeting on Tuesday.

"I am here for the third time in three months to reiterate, Indonesia's firm commitment to supporting Palestine, stating that Indonesia will not stop until we see the return of justice and dignity of the Palestinian people," said Foreign Minister Retno opening her speech at the Open Debate "The Situation In The Middle East, Including The Palestinian Question" held by the UN DK in New York, United States on Tuesday, in a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wednesday, January 24.

Foreign Minister Retno further reminded UN DK members that there is a big mandate to maintain international peace and security, and not tolerate war and genocide.

According to him, the UN Charter is clear, the Security Council Resolution is binding and must be binding.

"My question today: how many resolutions have been adopted regarding Palestine? How is it running," asked Foreign Minister Retno.

"Where did Palestine have to go when, for decades, the UN Security Council failed to act on its own resolution, while Israel killed Palestinians without punishment?" he stressed.

"Once again, I urge Council members to stop the horror facing Palestinians daily in Gaza and the West Bank," he said.

He added that more than 25,000 people died and more people died from hunger and cold disease, including infants and children.

"We all have a responsibility to enforce International Humanitarian Law without the need to do unwanted things without exception to the situation in Gaza," said Foreign Minister Retno.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza said on Tuesday that Palestinians' death toll from the continuing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip since October 7 had soared to 25,490 people as of yesterday, while 63,354 others were injured as a result of the attack, quoted from Anadolu.

"Many people are still trapped under the rubble and on the road and rescue teams cannot reach them," the statement said.