Marsudi reiterates Indonesia's support during meeting with UNRWA

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi presenting her remarks to the media after meeting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini in New York City, on Sunday (September 22, 2024). ANTARA/Suwanti/nbl.

New York City (ANTARA) - Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi reaffirmed Indonesia's perseverance in supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) during her meeting with Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini.

The two officials discussed the deteriorating situation in Palestinian territories since the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, which has spilt over to the West Bank, during the meeting on Sunday (September 22) local time.

"We discussed the situation there, particularly from the humanitarian aid aspect, since UNRWA is responsible for the Palestinian refugees," Marsudi stated at the meeting held on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly here.

She stated that during the meeting, the UNRWA Commissioner-General highlighted the Israel-led smear campaign and baseless accusations against the agency had caused some countries to freeze their funding, thereby putting further pressure on the agency's financial strains.

Hence, Lazzarini commended and expressed gratitude for Indonesia's persistence in upholding justice and humanity for the Palestinian people in the face of Israeli aggression, the foreign minister stated.

"UNRWA also expected Indonesia to maintain its current stance on Palestine and the agency," she added.

Marsudi explained that Indonesia has tripled its contributions to the UN agency, reaching US$1.2 million this year. Indonesia also attended the Core Group of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to rally support for the Palestinian cause.

"We are glad that during our consolidation with fellow Muslim and Arab countries (on Sunday), they have reiterated their commitment to supporting Palestine," she affirmed.

The foreign minister stated that Indonesia's support of Palestine and UNRWA is not shown solely through the government's actions at the global level but also by the Indonesian people's initiatives.

She affirmed that one of the forms of support is through the people's donation to the National Alms Agency (Baznas), which disburses the fund to Palestine. According to the Foreign Ministry, Baznas has provided US$3.3 million for the Palestinian people since November 2023.