NU Executive Board Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf made the statement on Friday in response to the proposed withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza — a key part of the ceasefire plan proposed by US President Donald Trump.
Staquf argued that the two-state framework is flawed if the world fails to recognize Palestine as a cohesive entity.
"It’s pointless to discuss a two-state solution if we cannot see Palestine as one unified state. This will be the direction of our struggle for the Palestinian people going forward," he said.
He first expressed gratitude that violence in Gaza had been halted.
"Let the violence stop first — no more people getting hurt, let alone killed. We can address justice later. For now, ending the violence is most important," he added.
Staquf also urged the international community to broaden its focus beyond Gaza to include the West Bank.
"Do not just focus on Gaza, but also the West Bank, because acts of persecution also happen severely there. Palestine must be seen as one whole entity," he noted.
The withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip began gradually on Friday and was expected to conclude within 24 hours, moving forces to an agreed boundary line.
The troop movement followed Thursday’s announcement by Trump that Hamas and Israel had agreed on the first phase of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange plan.
The deal was reached through indirect talks in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, mediated by delegations from Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar, under US supervision.
Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have killed nearly 67,200 Palestinians — mostly women and children — leaving Gaza nearly uninhabitable due to extensive destruction.
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Translator: Lintang Budiyanti, Asri Mayang Sari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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