Indonesian president: Israeli atrocities against Palestine violate international law

Israel's ongoing atrocities against the people of Palestine constitute a grave violation of international law and the values of humanity, Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) affirmed during a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

At the meeting that took place on the sidelines of the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit in Saudi Arabia on November 11, President Jokowi affirmed that nothing could justify the mass murder and forced displacement of Palestinians from their homes, Antara News reports.

"These vile actions constitute a serious violation against international law and values of humanity," he said as cited from a statement released by the Presidential Secretariat in Jakarta on November 11.

He also reiterated Indonesia's support for Palestine and condemnation of Israel's atrocities against the Palestinians.

"Indonesia is committed to providing optimal and concrete support for Palestine. Acts of violence must immediately be ended. The forced displacement of Palestinian civilians must be stopped, and humanitarian assistance must be distributed immediately," he emphasized.

Jokowi told Abbas that he was deeply saddened by the deteriorating humanitarian condition of Palestinians in Gaza as a result of the Israeli aggression, while conveying his concern over Israel's continuous intimidation that the people of Palestine in the occupied West Bank have been facing.

He then expressed relief that the distribution process of the humanitarian aid provided by the Indonesian people and government had started.

Meanwhile, President Abbas highlighted that Indonesia is one of the countries that has consistently been showing support for the Palestinian people in their struggle for independence.

He thanked Indonesia for its support and humanitarian aid delivered to Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi accompanied President Jokowi during the bilateral meeting.