Indonesia ready to assist in Gaza reconstruction after ceasefire: FM

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia is ready to assist in the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip following the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, set to commence on January 19, according to Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono.

“The government of the Republic of Indonesia is ready to support the rebuilding and reconstruction of Gaza,” Sugiono stated on Friday.

He reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to advocating for the Palestinian cause, including their recovery and independence, through all available means.

Indonesia is also ready to provide peacekeeping personnel if requested by United Nations resolutions, he added.

Sugiono regards the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, reached in Qatar on January 15, as opening new opportunities and raising hopes for long-lasting peace in Palestine.

Moreover, the Palestinian nation has suffered for a long time due to Israeli aggression, which continued without pause for almost 500 days starting on October 7, 2023.

Indonesia reiterated the need for both parties to commit to the terms of the ceasefire to ensure its effective implementation.

“We hope it will open a new future for peace in the Middle East and beyond,” Sugiono stated.

He also expressed hope that the ceasefire would kick-start the process of realizing the two-state solution as the most viable resolution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, according to international consensus.

“We firmly believe that permanent peace can only be realized through the two-state solution,” he affirmed.

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani announced the ceasefire agreement on Wednesday, following extensive negotiations brokered by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt.

The agreement includes provisions for prisoner exchanges, cessation of hostilities, security assurances for Israel, and increased access to humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Despite concerns they would renege on the ceasefire, Israeli authorities confirmed their acceptance of the agreement late Friday.