Indonesian FM Urges D-8 Nations to Support Palestine Amid Ongoing Gaza Crisis
Istanbul, The Gulf Observer: During the Extraordinary Meeting of the D-8 Council of Foreign Ministers held in Istanbul on Saturday, June 8, 2024, Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi called on the Developing-8 (D-8) member countries to collectively support Palestine amidst the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.
Minister Marsudi stressed the imperative need for the D-8 nations, including Indonesia, Turkey, Malaysia, Egypt, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, and Nigeria, to bolster the efforts of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in aiding Palestine.
“The D-8 member countries cannot sit still and relax while watching the genocide continue occurring in Gaza,” she asserted in a statement released by her office on Sunday.
At the meeting, Minister Marsudi emphasized that achieving lasting peace in the Palestinian crisis necessitates a permanent ceasefire. She reiterated Indonesia’s longstanding position on the crucial need for a sustained ceasefire to pave the way for enduring peace.
“This is where everyone, including Indonesia, highlighted the issue of a permanent ceasefire. Since the beginning, Indonesia has consistently called for the importance of a permanent ceasefire,” she continued.
Minister Marsudi outlined several critical actions that must be undertaken to support Palestine in the interim. First, she urged D-8 members to leverage their influence to encourage more countries to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state.
“In late May, during meetings in Europe with the Foreign Ministers of Norway, Spain, and Ireland, I discussed the importance of recognizing Palestine. In June, I have scheduled further discussions with European counterparts for the same purpose,” she disclosed.
Second, she stressed the need for concerted efforts by the D-8 countries to advocate for Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations.
“This is not an easy path, but we must persist. The D-8 must be the driving force behind this effort,” she emphasized.
Moreover, Minister Marsudi called for the continuous facilitation of aid delivery and robust support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
“Indonesia has increased its contribution to UNRWA on several occasions. We remain committed to providing humanitarian assistance, tailored to the capacities of each member country. Our spirit of solidarity is crucial,” she remarked.
The Extraordinary Meeting of the D-8 Council of Foreign Ministers was convened specifically to address the evolving situation in Gaza. The D-8 organization, established to enhance trade, influence, and community welfare among its members, also encompasses countries that are members of the OIC.
