Dio Suhenda, Jakarta – Indonesia has welcomed a recent ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that called on Israel to end its occupation of Palestine, with Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi calling the decision a significant affirmation that international law is on Palestine's side.
In its non-binding advisory opinion, The Hague-based court found on Friday that Israeli presence in the occupied Palestinian territories was "unlawful", and that Israel was "under an obligation to immediately cease all new settlement activities" in occupied land.
"The advisory opinion shows that international law supports the struggle of the Palestinian people," Retno said on Sunday, responding to the ICJ ruling. "Indonesia supports the court's judgment that all countries and the United Nations should not recognize the situation arising from Israel's illegal presence."
Following the ruling, Retno said that Indonesia would continue to urge Israel to promptly end its activities in Palestine, including by ceasing the construction of illegal settlements and ensuring the removal of all Jewish settlers out of Palestine.
Indonesia, a fervent supporter of the Palestinian cause, was among dozens of countries and regional groups that delivered oral statements during the ICJ public hearings a few months ago before the court issued its judgment on Friday.
The ICJ inquiry began at the request of the United Nations General Assembly in late 2022.
Since the conflict in Gaza escalated on Oct. 7 of last year, when a surprise attack launched by militant group Hamas ignited a massive reprisal from Israel, Indonesia has involved itself in various diplomatic efforts to promote three goals: a total ceasefire, humanitarian assistance and an investigation of Israel's military activities.