JakaraPost-July 21, 2024
Indonesia called on Israel on Sunday to end its “unlawful presence” in the occupied Palestinian territories immediately and cease any activities to expand Israeli settlements there, in the wake of a historic ruling by the United Nations’ top court. The ruling, delivered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday, garnered strong international support, with more countries now piling pressure on Israel to end its military action against Gaza. In its non-binding advisory opinion, The Hague-based court found that Israel’s presence in the occupied Palestinian territories was “unlawful” and that it was “under an obligation to immediately cease all new settlement activities” in occupied land. Indonesia, a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause, has welcomed the ruling, with Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi calling it a significant affirmation that international law was on Palestine’s side. “The advisory opinion shows that international law supports the struggle of the Palestinian people,” Retno said on Sunday. Following the ruling, Retno said Indonesia would continue to urge Israel to promptly end its activities in Palestine, including by “ceasing the construction of illegal settlements” and ensuring the removal of all Jewish settlers from Palestine. Indonesia was among more than 50 countries and regional groups that delivered oral statements at the ICJ’s public hearings in February, before the court issued its judgment on Friday. The ICJ inquiry began at the request of the UN General Assembly in late 2022. Since militant group Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7 of last year ignited a massive reprisal from Israel, Indonesia has involved itself in diplomatic efforts to promote three goals: a total ceasefire, humanitarian assistance and an investigation of Israel’s military activities. Read more at:
