Condolences For The Tragedy Of The Murder Of Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, MUI: Undeniable Evidence Of Terror To Journalists

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) expresses its deep condolences for the tragedy of the killing of a senior al-Jazeerah journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh by Israeli forces.

“Condolences, Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajioun. I am deeply saddened by the tragedy of the killing of a senior al-Jazeera journalist by Israeli Zionist officers," said Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) for Foreign Relations and International Cooperation, Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim in a statement received in Jakarta, Antara, Friday, May 13. .

Sudarnoto said that Israeli authorities and extremist Jewish groups have continuously carried out terror against the public, not least against journalists.

“The shooting of Shireen is one of the concrete and undeniable proofs of terror being carried out against journalists. Like any terrorist group in general, this Zionist terror is not only intended to create fear in the community, silence the voices that defend the Palestinian struggle as Shireen has shown through al-Jazeera, as well as weaken and subdue the Palestinian struggle," he said.

The ultimate goal, he continued, is to control all of the Palestinian territories. "This heinous murder will most likely target other segments of society, such as religious leaders, clerics, journalists, intellectuals, humanitarian activists and anyone else," he said.

Sudarnoto said the assassination of Shireen was a continuation of the assassination mission carried out against many Palestinian figures and also against other Palestinians.

“This is a kind of ceremony meant to strengthen spirits and fill the day they claim to be Israel's independence on May 14th. On that date the Stars of David flag will be flown everywhere and will trigger and escalate violent opposition, moreover 15 May is an important Palestinian day as Yaum an-Nakbah," he said.

It is estimated that Zionist acts of violence and crimes will increase in the next few days, he said.

"We need quick steps to build an alliance of interfaith and national figures, journalists, intellectuals, humanitarian and human rights activists, politicians, professionals and even other educated people including students to urge Israel to be given international sanctions," said Sudarnoto.

Fighting Israel and defending Palestine is defending universal humanity, defending sovereignty and justice and defending the sanctity of any religion. Especially for Muslims, the struggle to defend the Palestinian people and the existence of the Al-Aqsa Mosque is a religious call and at the same time humanity is eternal as long as Israel is still colonizing.

He said the death of Shireen Abu Akleh was God's destiny, but the murder of Shireen was a crime and barbarity that should not be tolerated. The perpetrators and the Israeli government must be held accountable. The grief of Shireen is the sorrow of humanity.

"It is called to leaders and the Jewish (diaspora) community, both in Indonesia and in other countries, to individually and together with other communities provide empathy, intensify support for the struggle of the Palestinian people and nation, as well as condemn the evil actions of the Zionists," said Sudarnoto.