MUI Condemns Israel’s Use of Thermal Weapons in Gaza, Calls for Accountability
Jakarta – The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has strongly condemned Israel’s reported use of thermal weapons, also known as vacuum bombs, in its military operations in the Gaza Strip. The MUI has characterized the use of such weapons as a grave violation of international humanitarian law and a barbaric act that disregards fundamental principles of humanity and conscience.
Reported Use of Thermal Weapons and Civilian Impact
According to reports from MINA News, the alleged use of thermal weapons has resulted in the disappearance of 2,842 Palestinian civilians, with no remains recovered. MUI Chairman for Foreign Relations, Professor Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim, expressed shock and outrage upon learning of these reports.
MUI’s Statement on the Weapons
Professor Sudarnoto described the weapons as capable of producing temperatures of up to thousands of degrees Celsius, causing the disintegration of human bodies. He emphasized that if proven, the use of these weapons constitutes a serious violation of the Geneva Conventions and established international legal norms. The MUI is demanding a credible and transparent investigation into the allegations.
Call for International Action and Accountability
The MUI has urged the international community to refrain from silence and to avoid double standards in the enforcement of law and human rights. The council is calling for independent investigations into any and all crimes committed and for those responsible to be held accountable. Specifically, the MUI has appealed to the United States to take responsibility for what it views as Israel’s humanitarian transgressions, which have allegedly been tolerated and supported.
Broader Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The MUI views the humanitarian tragedy in Palestine as a universal moral and humanitarian issue, not merely a national one. The council strongly condemns the indiscriminate use of destructive weapons that target or impact civilians, emphasizing the severity of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. The MUI is urging the United Nations and the international community to establish an independent investigation, ensure civilian protection and halt the supply of weapons that could exacerbate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
Solidarity and Diplomatic Pressure
The MUI is calling on Muslims and the international community to voice their support for justice and to strengthen humanitarian aid and diplomatic pressure to bring an immediate end to the aggression. The council believes that lasting peace cannot be achieved without upholding justice and abolishing all forms of colonialism.
Indonesia’s Position on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Indonesia does not have diplomatic relations with Israel and has consistently voiced its condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza, while simultaneously providing aid to Palestinians. Channel NewsAsia reported that the Indonesian government distanced itself from a recent meeting between members of Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia’s largest Islamic organization, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog, stating it did not reflect the government’s official position. The MUI reaffirmed Indonesia’s support for Palestinian liberation on October 7, 2025, marking two years since Israel launched its military attack on Gaza.