DPR Expects Indonesia To Take Concrete Action Against Israel

TEHRAN, Iran, Feb 23 (Antara) - A member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) Mahfuz Sidik expressed hope that Indonesia would take a strong stance and concrete action to support the Palestinian struggle to gain independence from the Israeli occupation. "Currently, the situation in the Islamic world is very critical. The countries in the Middle East are engulfed in wars, while the Muslims in Europe and the US are facing new challenges in the form of political discrimination," Sidik stated here, Tuesday (Feb 21), at the 6th International Conference in Support of the Palestinian Intifada organized by the Parliament of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Tehran on Feb 21-22. He pointed out that the anti-Muslim movement is spreading across the world. "I look forward to Indonesia demonstrating concrete action. The spirit of anti-colonialism must be consistently and significantly demonstrated by Indonesia, the government, Parliament, the people, and also communities," Sidik emphasized. According to Sidik, Indonesia has consistently supported all efforts to realize Palestinian independence, including strongly condemning Israeli occupation. In March 2016, Indonesia had hosted the Extraordinary Summit of Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Palestine in Jakarta. On the occasion, Indonesia, through Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, had proclaimed its commitment to providing financial assistance to the Palestinian people. With regard to the expropriation of land and construction of new settlements, the international community insists that all actions have violated the 4th Geneva Convention on the Protection of Civilians in Time of War. In 2004, the International Court of Justice had confirmed that the new settlements are illegal. During his service as the UN secretary general in April 2012, Ban Ki-Moon had also stated that the new settlements are illegal and pose a hindrance to the Peace Road Map of the Israel-Palestine conflict. In December 2016, the UN Security Council passed Resolution Number 2334 stating that the leasing of lands, buildings, and trade activities in the area of the new settlements is illegal. "We can see that Israel has closed its eyes and ears to global criticism and the UN resolutions. For them, the occupation of Palestine has a political interest and ideology," Sidik, who in 2013, had observed new Israeli settlements in the West Bank, said. He added that Israelis will not stop until "The Great Israel Empire" has been established, which includes most of the Middle East region. "It has been their dream and doctrine since 1917. Moreover, the US government, under Trump, further confirms its support for Israeli interests," Sidik noted. According to the investigation report of Uri Blau in 2015, the construction of new settlements in Palestine by Israel is funded by the US private sector, both companies and individuals, amounting to US$220 million during the 2009-2013 period. The funds were distributed through non-governmental organizations. Sidik lauded Iran's efforts to raise the issue of illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine at the international conference. "Although this issue cannot be resolved at the conference, at least it is a platform for all participating countries to unify and strengthen their stance and outlook towards Israeli colonization over Palestinian lands. Furthermore, we must take real action to stop the Zionist aggression," Sidik added.