Indonesia, a long-standing advocate for the Palestinian cause, expressed deep concern on Sunday regarding the heightened conflict between Israelis and Palestinians and appealed for an end to the violence.
In a statement, the Indonesian foreign ministry conveyed, “Indonesia is deeply concerned with the escalation of conflict between Palestine and Israel. Indonesia urges the immediate cessation of violence to prevent further human casualties.”
Indonesia has consistently shown support for the Palestinian struggle for independence.
The statement emphasized, “The underlying issue of the conflict, namely the occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel, must be resolved in accordance with the parameters established by the United Nations.”
As the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, Indonesia has made it clear that it has no intention of establishing diplomatic relations with Israel.
In March, FIFA revoked Indonesia’s rights to host the Under-20 World Cup due to public protests and objections from various politicians over Israel’s participation in the tournament.
The Israeli army reported that more than 200 Israelis lost their lives in a significant and unexpected attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to destroy Hamas’ hideouts in Gaza, leading to intense Israeli airstrikes on the coastal enclave, resulting in the reported death of at least 232 Palestinians. This represents the deadliest escalation of the conflict in decades.
Western capitals have denounced the series of attacks carried out by Hamas, an organization considered a terrorist group by Israel, the United States, and the European Union.