Israel Condemns Attacks, House Speaker Puan Maharani Wants Palestinians To Prioritize COVID-19 Vaccine

Chairman of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani. (Photo: Doc. DPR)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Parliament Speaker Puan Maharani strongly condemned Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip that left hundreds dead and hundreds more injured.

"We condemn the attacks carried out during the Holy Month of Ramadan and also during the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, thus disrupting the series of worship of Palestinian Muslims," he said in his statement in Jakarta, quoted from Antara, Sunday, May 16.

That, he said, was linked to a series of Israeli attacks and violence against Palestinians, starting with the expulsion of Palestinians from Sheik Jarrah, attacks on Palestinians at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound, Israeli attacks on civilians in the Gaza strip, and violence in the West Bank.

Puan called on all parties to call for a halt to Israeli attacks on Palestinians. That, according to him, is mainly because Israeli attacks on Palestinians are carried out in the Holy Month of Ramadan, the atmosphere of Eid al-Fitr, and in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Stop israeli attacks on Palestinians and we call for providing assistance to the Palestinian people, including the priority of COVID-19 vaccine assistance and various medical devices," he said.

Puan said the humanitarian tragedy should be a momentum to restart a comprehensive and inclusive peace process, in accordance with international law, UN resolutions, and parameters, as well as international consensus.

According to pdi Perjuangan politicians, Israeli violence also leads to increased instability in the Middle East.

"Unfortunately, at a time when the world needs peace and unity to fight against the COVID-19 virus, palestinians must fight against Israel's annexation," he said.

The former Minister of Human Development and Culture also urged the Indonesian government to continue its active role in stopping Israeli attacks and providing humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people.

He also urged the international community and the United Nations to defuse tensions and help palestinians who are victims.