Evacuation Of 1,000 Palestinians To Indonesia Waits For A World Leadership Agreement

Illustration of Palestinian refugees in Gaza (@dok UN)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister (Menlu) Sugiono stated that Indonesia's plan to evacuate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip was carried out after reaching an agreement from world leaders, especially in the Middle East region.

Sugiono said that President Prabowo Subianto was conducting consultations with leaders in the Middle East region during a visit to five countries, namely the United Arab Emirates (PEA), Turkey, Egypt, Qatar to Jordan, to reach the approval of all parties for the temporary evacuation of Palestinians.

"The results of the consultation will then become a consideration for what the final decision will be. From there, the mechanisms are implemented, based on the agreement of all parties. So everyone must agree, everyone must agree. If someone disagrees, if anyone disagrees, it means 'no deal'," said Foreign Minister Sugiono, quoted by ANTARA.

The Foreign Minister said that President Prabowo in his state visit conveyed Indonesia's readiness to make peace efforts and humanitarian assistance that must be carried out immediately, including evacuating Palestinians in the Gaza Strip who were injured, orphans, children who were traumatized, and Indonesian students who were in the country.

The Foreign Minister also emphasized that President Prabowo's initiative was not to permanently relocate Palestinians to Indonesia, but a form of concern and humanity for the victims.

On the other hand, the evacuation plan must be carried out voluntarily, without coercion and get the approval of all parties, including the Palestinian Government.

"All of this is done must be voluntary with the approval of all parties in Palestine. So we convey (that) we are ready if desired, if needed to provide assistance. We are ready if needed to accommodate injured victims, orphans, then students to be treated in Indonesia," said the Foreign Minister.

The Foreign Minister added that Indonesia's solidarity with the full struggle for independence for Palestine has never changed and remains consistent.

However, President Prabowo wants to make a number of efforts and provide more active assistance to resolve the conflict in Palestine, as well as find a way of peace.

Before making his state visit, President Prabowo stated that the Indonesian government was ready to accommodate approximately 1,000 Palestinians in Gaza for the first wave, especially those injured, who were traumatized, and orphans.

"We are ready to send planes to transport them. We estimate the number is 1,000 for the first wave," said the President during a press conference at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, Jakarta, before leaving for Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday (9/4) in the morning.