President Jokowi Urges Immediate Ceasefire in Israel-Hamas Conflict

Sarbini Abdul Murad, the Head of the Presidium of the Medical Emergency Rescue Committee (MER-C), disclosed the severe impact of the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel on the Indonesian Hospital in Gaza.

The crucial medical facility, essential for the local population, suffered a devastating strike from an Israeli bomb, exacerbating the growing number of casualties.

Speaking to the press on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, Sarbini detailed the hospital's ongoing struggles in the face of mounting challenges. Surgical procedures and medical treatments have become increasingly difficult due to the relentless violence, and critical medical supplies are running critically low.

Sarbini emphasized the staggering civilian casualties resulting from Israel's retaliatory attacks on Gaza's civilian population, often justified as strikes on Hamas strongholds.

Despite sustaining damage, the Indonesian Hospital remains operational, with repair efforts in progress, earning it high regard among Gaza's residents.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel advisory, urging Indonesian citizens to postpone plans to visit Palestine or Israel and calling upon those already in the region to evacuate immediately.

Lalu Iqbal Muhammad, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted that Indonesia's Foreign Minister is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to stop the violence and protect the civilians' lives from the conflict.

There are 10 Indonesians in Gaz Strip. The Foreign Mistry is currently coordinating with the Indonesian embassies in Amman, Beirut, and Cairo to evacuate the Indonesian people in Palestine.

On October 9th, Lalu said that the Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, held discussions with his Brazilian counterpart, who currently presides over the UN Security Council, underscoring the urgent need for international intervention to address the unfolding crisis.

Tantri Yulianingsih contributed to this report.