Jakarta –
Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs (Menlu), Retno Marsudi, held a meeting with the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hanke Bruins Slot, in The Hague. One thing discussed was the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Palestine.
“I express my deep concern regarding the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza,” said Retno in a statement to journalists, Wednesday (31/1/2024).
Retno also regretted the termination of funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). One of the countries that has stopped funding to UNRWA is the Netherlands.
“In the midst of this deteriorating humanitarian situation, it is very unfortunate that several donor countries, including the Netherlands, have suspended their financial support for UNRWA,” he said.
The move by a number of countries to freeze aid to UNRWA was related to the alleged involvement of UNRWA employees in the Hamas attack on Israel last October. Retno said Indonesia was pushing for a thorough investigation into the news, but did not ignore humanitarian interests Gaza.
“I convey the importance of a comprehensive, credible and transparent investigation to be carried out immediately so that all allegations of involvement of a number of UNRWA personnel in the October 7 attack will be clearer,” he said.
“Freezing support for UNRWA will greatly worsen the humanitarian situation which is currently already very bad,” continued Retno.
Retno said the Dutch Foreign Minister supported the idea of two countries or a two state solution in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“In the discussion, the importance of investigations was also emphasized by the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Netherlands emphasized its support for the two state solution,” concluded Retno.
(ygs/week)
2024-01-31 16:37:00
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