JAKARTA – Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi recently issued a strong statement condemning Israeli attacks on humanitarian workers serving refugees. In her statement, Retno emphasized that Israel’s actions labeling humanitarian workers as terrorists is unacceptable.
Retno explained that there is currently an attempt by Israel to label organizations working to help refugees in the State of Palestine as terrorists. Contrary to that, she then emphasized that humanitarian workers have a crucial role in helping victims of conflict and should be protected from attacks, not the other way around.
“Organizations serving refugees are being discussed in the country to be labeled as terrorists. Their access (to humanitarian aid) has begun to be restricted, and it will definitely have an impact on the civilian population,” Retno said in the Info A1 podcast session on the Kumparan YouTube channel, Monday (10/14/2024).
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Recent incidents at UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) have also raised concerns. A TNI personnel who is a member of UNIFIL was injured in an Israeli attack, showing that the impact of this conflict extends not only to humanitarian workers, but also to UN peacekeepers.
Retno emphasized that attacks on humanitarian workers are unacceptable. Indonesia will not remain silent in the face of such acts. She even reminded that “Lebanon is another Gaza” and warned against this situation becoming the new normal. In war, attacking humanitarian workers must be avoided.
Humanitarian work is critical in helping those affected by conflict and natural disasters. Humanitarian workers are on the frontline to provide much-needed support, despite the very high risks they face in conflict areas.
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As a humanitarian organization, Dompet Dhuafa has been actively helping victims of Israeli military aggression since October 7, 2023, even years before. In the face of this crisis, Dompet Dhuafa moves quickly and appropriately to ease the burden on our brothers and sisters in Palestine.
Dompet Dhuafa has optimized various channels to ensure that the aid reaches the right hands and is as effective as possible. They establish partnerships with the Indonesian government, work with a network of local partners, and synergize with the Indonesia Humanitarian Alliance (IHA). In addition, they also deployed humanitarian teams. Throughout the past year, Dompet Dhuafa has realized various forms of assistance, including the delivery of logistical assistance, mobility support in the form of ambulances, health and medical facility services, and food security programs.
The 1949 Geneva Conventions are a collection of international treaties governing the treatment of war victims, including civilians, prisoners of war and medical personnel. It is also the legal basis for humanitarian workers, both from international and national humanitarian organizations.
Since the Israeli genocidal conflict spread to Lebanon, the Indonesian government has evacuated six batches, but there are still around 80 Indonesians in Lebanon. The first evacuation process was carried out by air, and the next batch had to go by land, taking a route through Syria to Jordan before flying to Indonesia.
With more than 2,020 UN humanitarian workers having lost their lives in Gaza, Retno Marsudi called for the need to protect and respect humanitarian work. We must all work together to ensure that victims of conflict and natural disasters get the help they need without being threatened by violence. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text: Riza Muthohar
Photo: Dompet Dhuafa Assets
Editor: Dhika Prabowo