Show consistency on international law: Top Indonesian diplomat to EU over Gaza

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi on Friday called for “consistency” with respect to international law when it comes to the besieged Palestinian enclave of Gaza.

“The respect that should also be applied to Palestine, to Gaza,” Marsudi said, addressing a joint EU-Indo-Pacific forum in Brussels.

Noting that Palestine has been encountering continuing injustice for the past seven decades, Marsudi asked: “Will we continue to be silent? … We will not.”

“It is also very important that we should continue the work” for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees or UNRWA for the people of Palestine, said Marsudi.

The US, the UK, and many EU nations have cut funds to the agency after allegations leveled by Tel Aviv amid Israel’s war on Gaza which has resulted in the killing of more than 27,000 Palestinians since Oct. 7.

Appealing the EU leaders, Marsudi said: “Listen to your heart and do the right thing, to stop atrocities in Gaza, in Palestine.”

“The EU, and all of us, as firm supporters of upholding international law, will also have a consistent position when it comes to Gaza.”

Underlining the importance of respecting international in a "consistent" manner, Marsudi said: "Without respect for international law, the mighty will continue to take all. No state is above the law. ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and EU should be at the frontline in respecting values and principles of international law."

The Indonesian foreign minister also noted: “Consistency between values and action reflect the sincerity of our moral ground (as) it shows who we actually are.”

Meanwhile, the EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell thanked Marsudi for reminding the forum of the "open conflict" which is "call to the humanity."

Calling the ongoing conflict in Gaza as "very tragic events," Borrell said: "More can be done" with respect to the support to the Palestinian people.