By Riyaz ul Khaliq
ISTANBUL (AA) - President Prabowo Subianto has reiterated Indonesia’s steadfast support for Palestine, emphasizing principles of anti-colonialism and anti-oppression.
The message of support from President Prabowo was delivered to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas by Foreign Minister Sugiono on the sidelines of the BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia, according to an official statement.
This marks the first expression of support from the Prabowo administration since his inauguration as Indonesia’s president last weekend.
During the BRICS Outreach session, Sugiono highlighted Indonesia's solidarity and commitment to global peace, drawing attention to the ongoing crises in Palestine and Lebanon.
"Indonesia cannot remain silent while these atrocities continue with impunity," Sugiono stated, advocating for a ceasefire, the enforcement of international law, and sustained assistance for recovery efforts in Gaza.
Israel has maintained a devastating offensive in Gaza since the attack by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas in October of last year, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire.
According to local health authorities, over 42,800 people have been killed predominantly women and children and more than 100,500 others have been injured.
The Israeli assault has displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza amid a blockade that has caused severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine. Israel is currently facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.
Since Oct. 1 of this year, Israel has escalated the conflict by launching an incursion into southern Lebanon, where Prime Minister Najib Mikati reported that the Israeli attacks have displaced approximately 1.4 million people nationwide.
At least 2,574 Lebanese individuals have been killed, and over 12,000 others injured due to Israeli strikes since Oct. 7 of last year.