Wanting To Be OKI To Encourage Ceasefire In Gaza, Foreign Minister Retno: Game Changer To Stop Increasing Victims

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi at the OKI Summit. (Source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

JAKARTA - The Minister of Foreign Affairs said the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) must continue to unite to defend justice and humanity for Palestine, while attending the 15th Session Of The Islamic Summit' in Banjul, Gambia last weekend.

Foreign Minister Retno said, within the Arab Peace Initiative and various OIC decisions it was stated that peace with Israel would only be carried out if Israel stopped its occupation of Palestine.

According to him, this stance has sent a very strong message that without Palestinian independence, there would be no diplomatic relations with Israel.

"I remind you that the decision and message should be maintained consistently," said Foreign Minister Retno, citing the website of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Monday, May 6.

Furthermore, at this summit, Foreign Minister Retno highlighted that over the past 7 months, more than 34 thousand Palestinians were killed by Israelis which was genocide.

In addition, he also highlighted barriers to humanitarian aid, Israel's threat to attack the continuing Rafah, until Palestinian membership at the United Nations continues to be blocked.

"In this difficult situation, the OIC must unite to defend justice and humanity for Palestine," said Foreign Minister Retno.

Regarding the situation in Palestine, Foreign Minister Retno conveyed three things that OKI needs to do. First of all, according to him, this organization must unite, focus and attention are not divided to help Palestine. OKI must continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza and continue to support UNRWA's work.

The Foreign Minister also reminded that the previously agreed Islamic Financial Safety Net (Sharia Financial Safety Network) could be activated immediately in order to help the Palestinian people.

Second, Foreign Minister Retno said the OIC must continue to push for a permanent ceasefire.

"The ceasefire will be a game changer to stop the increase in victims and ease suffering. Ceasefire is also important to create a conducive environment for fair negotiations towards a two-state solution," said Foreign Minister Retno.

Third, Foreign Minister Retno reminded OKI to prevent further escalation. According to him, OKI countries must focus on handling humanitarian disasters in Palestine and refrain from open conflict.

"OKI has a responsibility to ensure regional and world stability. The OIC unit must be able to contribute to peace, not to encourage a crisis," said Foreign Minister Retno.

It is known, the OKI Summit this time carries the theme "Encing Unity And Solidarity Through Dialogue For Sustainable Development". In addition to the Palestinian issue, Foreign Minister Retno also raised issues regarding the OKI agenda.