Statement by
The Security Council’s consideration of the present grave situation in the Gaza Strip is timely and pertinent. It is a situation which has seized the attention of the international community at large. We acknowledge, in particular, the attention and efforts of the Arab League to deal with the crisis in the Gaza Strip by holding an emergency session on the issue in Cairo. I would also like to thank Mr. B. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, for his briefing on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Indonesia is deeply concerned over the current deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza as a result of Israeli actions. Fuel shortages closed down the only remaining power station in the region plunging the area into darkness and leaving one third of the population of 1.5 million without electricity. Hospitals, water treatment facilities, and food supply have been severely affected. The Palestinian people are living in truly appalling and inexcusable conditions. We condemn this unjust and inhumane collective punishment of the Palestinian people in Gaza which constitutes a grave breach of international humanitarian and human rights laws. This must not go on. Israel must lift the fuel blockade and open the border crossings into Gaza immediately. Passage of imports and exports and the access of humanitarian workers to Gaza are imperative. Continuous and uninterrupted supply of fuel, electricity, medical and relief items, food and water to Gaza are urgent. Yesterday we note the decision by Israel to ease the blockade of Gaza for one day. It is our call that all crossings should be opened and all blockades be lifted permanently. Israel must abide by its obligation under international law, including humanitarian and human rights law, and immediately cease all its illegal measures and practices against the Palestinian civilian population in the Gaza Strip.
The burden that Palestinians are bearing now has been made heavier by the continuing military incursions and operations by the Israeli occupying forces into Gaza. Military incursions, border closings, as well as continued rocket firings will not offer solution to the crux of the problem in the region. On the contrary, they perpetuate the cycle of violence and undermine efforts to create an environment conducive to the achievement of the goals within the Annapolis framework. All parties concerned on the ground must exercise restraint and refrain from any actions that could undermine those efforts. Mr. President, The role of the international community in providing emergency and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people in Gaza to meet their dire humanitarian needs remains critical. We fully commend UNRWA, the UN’s Specialized Agencies, Programmes and Funds, as well as numerous NGOs for their continued dedication and commitment, under the most strenuous conditions. Their presence and coordinated contribution will remain critical in the months ahead. Israel must ensure unhindered access for humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people in Gaza to alleviate the situation. Beyond immediate humanitarian concerns, we underline the need to find ways to sustain Palestinian economic activity, including in Gaza, and the importance of creating circumstances that would allow for full implementation of the Agreement on Movement on Access. This is particularly in view of the impact of crossings on the economic, social, and humanitarian conditions of the Palestinians on a daily basis. Finally, Mr. President, my delegation wishes to reiterate its full support for the realization of the two state vision as envisioned in the Roadmap and the efforts to achieve a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on all relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), and 1515 (2003), the Madrid terms of reference and the principle of land for peace, and the Arab Peace Initiative. I thank you, Mr. President. ----------
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