Indonesian FM conveys regret regarding UNSC resolution on Gaza
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi conveyed her disappointment regarding the absence of a stipulation calling for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, Palestine, within the resolution adopted by the United Nations Security Council on December 22, 2023. Expressing regret over this omission, Minister Marsudi emphasized the critical need for a permanent ceasefire in the region to mitigate ongoing tensions and prioritize the well-being of the affected populace.
She stressed that the council should have included a ceasefire endorsement as, she believes, stopping hostilities is vital to pave the way to an end to the humanitarian crisis currently plaguing Gaza.
“We will see whether this resolution will make a difference and progress on the field or not,” she said at a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday.
The minister further said that Indonesia, together with other members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), will continue to make efforts to bring an end to the dire situation in Palestine’s besieged enclave.
Earlier, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution demanding that all parties take urgent measures to open broader, safer, and uninterrupted humanitarian corridors to Gaza.
After tough discussions and multiple postponements, the resolution, proposed by the United Arab Emirates, was passed by members of the security council, with 13 of them voting in favor of the resolution, none rejecting it, and the United States and Russia choosing to abstain.
The resolution also pushes the warring parties in Gaza to open all routes to and within the Gaza Strip, including border gates, to ensure the smooth distribution of humanitarian aid to people in need.
However, plenty of parties have voiced their dissatisfaction over the resolution, deeming it is not strong enough without a demand for a lasting ceasefire, which is believed to be vital for humanitarian aid distribution.
Israeli occupation forces have been hindering the distribution of humanitarian assistance to Gaza by conducting security checks on trucks transporting aid.
On Tuesday (December 26), the United Nations announced the appointment of Dutch Finance Minister Sigrid Kaag as a humanitarian coordinator for Gaza. She has been tasked with facilitating, coordinating, monitoring, and checking humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza.
Kaag will also institute a mechanism under the UN to expedite the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza through countries that are not parties to the violent conflict.
