Emphasizing The Need For Progress In The Settlement Of Palestinian Issues At The UN DK, Foreign Minister Retno: Our Joint Responsibility Ends Israel's Occupation

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi while attending the UN DK meeting. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi again stressed the need for progress in resolving the Palestinian issue, as well as ending the Israeli occupation forever at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting.

On this occasion, the UN Secretary-General, represented by the Special Coordinator for Palestine, Tor Wennesland, said that the situation in Palestine is far from conducive.

She said violence, destruction of property, and the expulsion of Palestinians continued. In fact, 2022 is said to be the deadliest year and has claimed the most victims for the Palestinian people since 2005.

"2023 must be a year of progress in resolving the Palestinian issue. It is our shared responsibility to end the Israeli occupation forever," said Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi at the UN Security Council Open Debate in New York, United States of America, Wednesday, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thursday, January 19.

On this occasion, Foreign Minister Retno emphasized three things related to the Palestinian issue.

She said, Indonesia welcomed the ratification of the UN General Assembly Resolution requesting a legal opinion from the International Court of Justice regarding the legal impact of Israel's occupation of Palestine.

"Various reports, mechanisms, and UN resolutions have been issued. The world cannot act business as usual. There must be real follow-up on this matter," said Foreign Minister Retno. ​

Next, Foreign Minister Retno said it was important to take concrete steps to reach a peaceful solution. The Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs asked Israel to stop provocations, respect international law, and continue the peaceful process to reach a two-state solution, according to international regulations.

Third, the international community must provide humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people. In 2023 it is predicted that the world will experience a recession. More than two million Palestinians need humanitarian assistance.

"For the sake of humanity, we must not allow the Palestinian people to suffer in silence, especially amidst the current difficult situation," said the Foreign Minister.

It is known that the UN Security Council meeting was chaired by Japan as the President of the UN Security Council in January 2023. Apart from the 15 members of the UN Security Council, 29 countries also attended and made statements, including Palestine and Israel.

In this meeting, countries highlighted the situation in Palestine which has not improved, and pushed for the resumption of the peace process in order to reach a long-term solution to the Palestinian issue.