TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In commemorating the 76th year of the Nakba, or the Catastrophe, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs underlined the unwavering support of the government and people of Indonesia for the independence of Palestine. The commemoration event was held at the Palestinian Embassy in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, May 15.

Rijal Al Huda, the ministry’s Regional Coordinator for Middle East Affairs, hoped the event would serve as a reminder for all people to support Palestine against Israeli occupation and brutality.

“Nakba Day symbolizes the people’s resilient spirit who refuse to be forgotten, silenced, or erased. The people and the government of Indonesia reaffirm their support for our brothers in Palestine,” said Rijal in his speech.

Nakba Day, observed by Palestine every year on May 15, commemorates the mass expulsion and ethnic cleansing of Palestine in 1947 – 1948 by the British-backed zionist militia in the course of establishing Israel as a Jewish state.

Yasser Arafat, the first president of the Palestinian National Authority (PLO), declared May 15 as Nakba Day in 1998. The day has been used for protests since early 1949. The tragedy and Israel's occupation of Palestine which began in 1967 are at the heart of Israel's violations of the people's rights in Palestine and international law, the Palestinian Embassy said in a statement.

Israel has stepped up its attacks on Gaza since Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The Hamas attack killed 1,139 people and took 250 hostages, according to the Israeli government as reported by Al Jazeera.

Meanwhile, Israel's attacks and tight blockade on Gaza have killed at least 35,173 Palestinians and injured more than 79,061 others, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Rijal said the Indonesian government would continue to push for a permanent ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

“We will hold Israel accountable for their crimes and violations of international law and address the root of the problem, which is Israel's illegal occupation of Palestine,” he stressed.

The Indonesian government, represented by Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, has defended the Palestinian people's right to independence in various international forums, especially after the Israeli attack on Gaza.

Last February, Minister Retno delivered an oral statement at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands, regarding the legal consequences of Israel's illegal occupation of Palestine.

The Indonesian people have held various pro-Palestinian rallies since the Israeli assault began, with the largest gathering taking place at the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta on November 5, 2023. The Indonesian People's Alliance in Defense of Palestine claimed that more than two million people attended the rally, including government officials.

NABIILA AZZAHRA A. | DESTY LUTHFIANI

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