Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi delivered her statement from the ICJ headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 18:06 WIB.
Foreign Minister Retno emphasized that Indonesia does not accept the presence of illegal occupation in Palestinian territory.
"Considering the nature of illegal occupation, the withdrawal of Israeli forces must be unconditional, without negotiation. Israeli forces must withdraw now. I repeat, withdraw now!" Retno said in her oral statement at the ICJ.
She asserted that the ICJ must declare that Israel's occupation as a whole is illegal. "We also need to ensure that this illegal situation must be ended," she emphasized.
In her statement, Retno affirmed that Israel has no intention to respect, let alone comply with international legal obligations. She also quoted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement saying, 'nothing will stop us.'
Foreign Minister Retno mentioned that this can be seen from the current situation in Gaza. Israeli actions in Gaza continue, with the attacks even extending to Rafah.
"It seems that nearly 30,000 deaths are not enough for Israel, as they are on the verge of launching another attack on Rafah, which is the only gateway for humanitarian aid to Gaza," said Foreign Minister Retno.
"No country should be given the freedom to do whatever they want to weaker nations," said Foreign Minister Retno.
"This is why we have international law," she stressed.
Currently, more than 29,000 people have died in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7. This is in retaliation for Hamas attacks on Israel. However, these retaliatory attacks have continued to date.
Of the casualties, more than 70 percent are women and children who are civilians.
Read also: At the UN Security Council, Minister Retno Throw Punch on Israel
Active Participation of Indonesia
Indonesia has decided from the beginning to actively participate in providing legal input to the ICJ. "This input consists of two things, first, a written statement that Indonesia has submitted to the ICJ in July 2023, and then an oral statement," said Foreign Minister Retno."Indonesia's appearance before the International Court of Justice will complement Indonesia's various diplomatic steps in supporting the struggle for the independence of the Palestinian people," said Foreign Minister Retno some time ago.
Foreign Minister Retno emphasized that Indonesia supports the efforts of the UN General Assembly to obtain a legal advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice. With a determination to uphold the law.
"The right of the Palestinian people to determine their own destiny must be respected," concluded Foreign Minister Retno.
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