Indonesia's Retno Marsudi Says No Talks on Ceasefire in UNSC Resolution for Gaza

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi spoke of the newly adopted UN Security Council resolution calling for boosting humanitarian aid into Gaza but failing to mention a ceasefire. The resolution numbered 2720 was adopted on Dec. 22 with 13 votes and abstains from the United States and Russia.

Minister Retno said that whether this resolution brings any chance in Gaza is yet to be seen. "But one thing for sure, the one critical element needed for improvement on the ground is a ceasefire, and it was not included in the resolution," she said on Wednesday.

The resolution calls to accelerate and streamline the delivery of life-saving humanitarian relief in Gaza, including fuel, food, and medical supplies. It also explicitly calls for opening all borders to Gaza for entry of humanitarian aid, including the Kerem Shalom crossing.

The UN Security Council resolution also recommends the immediate appointment of a Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed Sigrid Kaag for this role starting on Jan. 8. Her role would be to facilitate, coordinate, monitor, and verify humanitarian relief consignments for Gaza.

The resolution stopped short of calling for a ceasefire, and instead, it calls for "urgent steps to immediately allow safe, unhindered, and expanded humanitarian access and to create the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities" in Gaza.

Israeli forces' constant bombardment in Gaza since Oct. 7 has killed at least 20,674 Palestinians, including 8,200 children and 6,200 women, according to Gaza's health authorities. Around 7,2000 Palestinians are feared trapped under the rubble. 

NABIILA AZZAHRA A. 

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