Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi attended the 67th General Debate Plenary Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday (May 20) in New York, United States to discuss the situation in the Middle East and the Palestinian issue.

In her opening statement, the Indonesian FM emphasized that her presence at the UN headquarters was aimed at voicing humanity for the sake of justice for the Palestinian people, and to call for an end to violence and the implementation of a ceasefire to save the lives of those who were innocent, including women and children.

“The occupation and the continued aggression by Israel should not only be condemned, as it constitutes a grave violation of international law. The U.N. must immediately take concrete actions,” FM Retno said.

In the meeting attended by eleven ministerial level officials from Palestine, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, Maldives, Algeria and Tunisia, the Indonesian Foreign Minister called for three steps that need to be taken by the U.N.

First, the U.N should stop violence and military actions to prevent more victims.

"The U.N. General Assembly meeting must urge an immediate and fully respected ceasefire. All means must be taken to overcome the situation as soon as possible, and we support the U.N. Secretary General's efforts in this regard," she said.

To prevent repeatedly Israeli brutality in the future, an international presence in Al-Quds is needed to monitor and ensure the safety of the Palestinian people in the occupied territories. This international presence also aims to protect the status of Al-Haram Al-Sharif as a holy place for three religions.

Second, Indonesia calls for actions to ensure access to humanitarian aid and protection of civilians. The U.N. General Assembly along with its other agencies need to step up efforts to provide humanitarian assistance for affected Palestinians.

"The U.N. General Assembly must urge Israel to open access to humanitarian aid, including in Gaza which has been under siege for more than 13 years," Retno said.

Third, Indonesia promotes reliable multilateral negotiations based on internationally agreed parameters to achieve the two-state solution. The U.N. General Assembly has a moral and political obligation to ensure the peace negotiations take place.

"We have to stop the systemic efforts of the occupying forces (by Israel) which might leave nothing to negotiate. Don't let the Palestinian people have no choice but to accept injustice throughout their lives,” the Foreign Minister asserted.

She also said that all forms of injustice must be ended immediately. The world must continue to provide support for Palestinian independence and fight injustice over the people of this country.

Closing her statement, the Indonesian Foreign Minister called on the world to unite to fight for justice for Palestine and to end the illegal occupation by Israel.

In the next few days, FM Retno will hold a series of bilateral meetings to garner international support for Palestine.

During the meeting, U.N. Secretary General António Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire, especially in the Gaza Strip.

He also expressed deep sorrow over the damage to basic infrastructures in Gaza and the grief faced by children, while underscoring the importance of maintaining the status quo of Jerusalem.

The construction of illegal settlements, evictions and house demolitions are contrary to the international humanitarian laws and human rights.

Reporting by Indonesia Window