"Through strategic diplomacy, promotion, and cooperation, we can utilize the power of culture to build peace, dialogue, and collaboration at the bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels," he noted in a statement on Friday.
Zon remarked that international forums, such as UNESCO, and all relevant stakeholders, can also help to promote peace, equality, justice, and security, as well as end cultural genocide in Palestine.
Zon also conveyed the message of unity and solidarity in remembrance of the humanitarian tragedy that began 77 years ago, known as the Nakba.
He stated that since 1948, over seven thousand Palestinians had been forced to flee. Even in the modern era, Palestinians continue to endure oppression and human rights violations.
"In addition to the airstrikes and brutal aggression by Israel since October 7, 2023, which have killed more than 50 thousand Palestinians in Gaza, I recently told the ministers of culture attending the Russian Islamic World Kazan Forum about a cultural genocide, or the deliberate destruction of cultural identity," the minister stated.
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He told the forum that as of April 2025, UNESCO had verified damage to 102 sites since October 7, 2023, including 13 religious sites, 69 historical and/or artistic buildings, three storage places for movable cultural objects, nine monuments, one museum, and seven archaeological sites.
The 77th Commemoration of Nakba Day, titled "Palestine belongs to Palestinians and We Will Never Leave," is expected to promote world peace, cultural preservation, justice, and efforts to ensure that the history of the Nakba and the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in Gaza will never recur.
Meanwhile, Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia, Dr. Zuhair S.M. Al-Shun, expressed appreciation for Indonesia's support of the Palestinian struggle for independence.
"We believe that Indonesia is always behind Palestine and supports the independence of Palestine. Thank you for all forms of support and assistance. By God's will, Palestine will be independent," he remarked.
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Translator: Sinta Ambarwati, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
