"Indonesia condemns Israel`s military offensive in Gaza. It is an act that has caused a lot of innocent casualties in Palestine, and it has created a new obstacle in the efforts to create a condition conducive for the continuation of peace negotiatio
Jakarta (Antara News) - The Indonesian government and public have condemned Israel for killing many innocent Palestinian people including children in the military attacks on Gaza over the past few days.
"Indonesia condemns Israels military offensive in Gaza. It is an act that has caused a lot of innocent casualties in Palestine, and it has created a new obstacle in the efforts to create a condition conducive for the continuation of peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine," stated Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa in Jakarta, on July 10, 2014.
At least 88 Palestinians, most of them civilians that included 14 children, have been killed in Israels Gaza offensive, Palestinian officials said on July 10. Children have often become victims of Israeli cruelty as reported by Reuters on June 2013 that a United Nations human rights body accused Israeli forces of mistreating Palestinian children, including by torturing those in custody and using others as human shields.
Most Palestinian children arrested were accused of having thrown stones, an offense which can carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, the committee said as reported by Reuters.
"The UNs Security Council and the international community must press Israel to stop its violent action against civilians in Palestines Gaza. This circle of violence needs to end," Minister Marty Natalegawa emphasized.
The minister noted that Israels recent military action had aggravated the distress of the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank. Marty described the military action as a "collective punishment" conducted by Israel on the people of Palestine.
"It must be understood that the core problem here is Israel occupying Palestines area. This must end. We must push through the peace negotiation process between Israel and Palestine in order for them to agree on a two-state solution," the minister stated.
Indonesia will work with the Palestinian authority and leaders from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to draw international attention towards the situation in Gaza, according to him.
Earlier, the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon had urged all involved parties in the recent Gaza violations to avoid further civilian casualties.
"These indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas must stop," reads Ban Ki-moons statement and that "the secretary general is extremely concerned about the dangerous escalation of violence, which has already resulted in multiple Palestinian deaths and injuries as a result of Israeli operations against Gaza."
Indonesias largest Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) also condemned Israel for its military aggression on Gaza, Palestine, NUs Secretary General Marsudi Syuhud said.
"We condemn the attack. The problem between Israel and Palestine could have been solved with dialogue, not war," Marsudi emphasized.
Marsudi also reprimanded Israels attack, which was conducted during the fasting month when all Muslims across the world, including the Palestinians, were fasting.
Condemnation was also voiced by Chairman of Indonesia-Palestine Friendship Initiative (PPIP), Din Syamsuddin. "The solidarity organization has harshly criticized the brutal attacks of Israel on Palestine," Din said in Jakarta on July 10.
He also urged the United Nations and other international organizations to take firm action in stopping the attacks on Palestine civilians. "We realize various UN Resolutions have been ignored by Israel. We will continue to urge the international organization to support Palestine," Din added.
The chairman has also appealed to the Organization of the Islamic Conference to take steps in providing necessary assistance to the Palestinians.
The PPIP organization will conduct charity programs to provide support to the Palestinians, Din said."Many supporters have encouraged us to conduct a charity night to help the Palestinians," he added. The PPIP is a transreligion, ethnic, and professional organization that has been fighting for Palestinian independence.
In Sukabumi, West Java, tens of students staged a rally to condemn Israeli attacks. "The attacks conducted by the Zionist soldiers have left tens of people dead. Even many children aged less than five years have fallen victim to the attacks," chief of the Sukabumi Student Activists Forum (FAMS) Yayan Hendayana said.
"The Israeli bombardment on the Gaza Strip, which has led to the deaths of tens of people, is a war crime. Yet, the UN appears to have turned a blind eye to the misery of the Palestinians," he said.
Therefore, he called on the Indonesian people to help in intensifying peace process in Palestine and admission of the nation to full membership in the UN. He also appealed to the Indonesian people to pray for the safety of Palestinians who are now under attacks.
"Let us fight against the Israeli invasion of Gaza Strip, which has disobeyed humanitarian values and is categorized as gross violation of human rights," he said.
An Indonesian humanitarian organization called "Rapid Response Action (ACT) is planning to send a humanitarian team to help the Palestinians who are now under Israeli attacks. "ACT will soon be sending four volunteers led by Andhika Purbo Swasono from ACT to Palestine. The team will hand over assistance
raised from the public during the last couple of days. God willing, the aid will be given in the form of packages of food, medical aid, and energy," ACT President Ahyudin said on July 10.
He called on the Indonesian people to help the Palestinians. Freeing Palestinians from Israeli occupation is a duty of the people all over the world who care about human tragedy, which has now befallen Palestinians.
"Therefore, the world must soon respond to the call to free Palestinians from Israeli aggression," he said.
According to a report from Indonesian activist for Palestine, Abdillah Onim, up to July 9, Israel had fired not less than 447 rockets from over Gaza City, launched 374 airstrikes, and dropped 34 mine bombs. A total of 17 houses were razed to the ground, 95 houses were severely damaged, and two mosques were damaged. The attacks had also left a hospital and an ambulance damaged. ***1***
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Reporter: Fardah
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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