TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government condemns Israel's attacks against the city of Gaza, which started three days and have killed 72 Palestinians, most of which were women and children.
"Indonesia condemns the attack by Israel on Gaza. It is an act that has caused the lives of innocent civilians and has created new obstacles [in achieving peace] between Palestine and Israel," said Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa on Wednesday, July 9, 2014.
Marty stated that Israel's action must be confronted because it has caused more suffering for the people of Palestine in Gaza. Israel's actions are considered nothing more than mere collective punishment towards the people of Palestine.
"The main issue is the occupation of Palestine by Israel, which needs to be ended quickly through a peace talk to reach a two-states solution," he said.
In relation to the attacks, Indonesia urges the United Nations Security Council and other UN members to force Israel to stop the attacks on innocent Palestinians in Gaza. "The circle of violence in the region must end," said Marty.
NATALIA SANTI