Indonesia Condemns Israeli Airstrikes on Iran, Calls for Restraint

The Indonesian Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned Israeli airstrikes on Iran over the weekend, expressing deep concern over the escalation of violence and urging all parties to avoid further conflict. The strikes, which reportedly killed at least four Iranian soldiers, have heightened tensions in the already volatile Middle East.

Indonesia’s Stance on the Conflict

“Indonesia strongly condemns Israel’s military strikes against Iran. Such escalation and expansion of conflicts are clear violations of international laws and demonstrate Israel’s utter disregard for it,” the Foreign Ministry stated on X on Saturday.

The ministry emphasized the need for restraint, calling on all parties to “exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any actions that could escalate tensions and lead to further instability in the region.”

Details of the Airstrikes

According to reports from Reuters, Israeli jets conducted three waves of airstrikes before dawn on Saturday, targeting missile factories and other sites near Tehran and in western Iran. Israel’s military stated that the strikes were a direct response to Iran’s October 1st attack on Israel, in which Iran fired over 200 missiles. While most missiles were intercepted, the attack resulted in one fatality in Israel, according to AFP.

Regional Tensions and the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict

The Indonesian Foreign Ministry underscored the ongoing regional tensions, noting that the Gaza war, which began in October of last year, has further exacerbated the situation. They pointed to the United Nations Security Council’s struggle to effectively address the escalating conflict.

The ministry also reiterated Indonesia’s long-standing stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, stating that “Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian territory remains the root cause of conflicts in the Middle East” and emphasizing that a two-state solution is “the only way to bring peace to the region”.

Call to Action

The recent escalation of violence between Israel and Iran highlights the urgent need for peaceful resolution and diplomatic efforts. It is crucial for all parties to prioritize dialogue and de-escalation to prevent further bloodshed and instability in the Middle East.