MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – The Israeli military’s ongoing invasion of Gaza, which began earlier this month, continues unabated as of Saturday, October 28. Israel has not only restricted humanitarian aid and essential resources, including electricity, food, water, and fuel but has also disrupted telecommunications networks.
As this conflict enters its third week, it has tragically claimed over 7,000 Palestinian lives. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) have both issued grave warnings about the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Abdul Mu’ti, the General Secretary of Muhammadiyah, has expressed deep concern and called for an immediate ceasefire and peaceful reconciliation. In the AWM Weekly Halaqah (forum) on “Palestine-Israel Reconciliation: A Religious Perspective” on Friday, October 27, Mu’ti outlined five key points.
“First, we wholeheartedly support the Palestinian people’s struggle to establish an independent and sovereign state. Indonesia has consistently offered unwavering support, providing both moral and material assistance despite our limitations,” mentioned Mu’ti.
Second, the two-state resolution remains the most viable path to lasting peace. This resolution, rooted in theological and historical dimensions, aligns with Indonesia’s political stance and Muhammadiyah’s perspective.
“Third, we express our appreciation for the diplomatic efforts undertaken by the Indonesian government and several Muslim nations. These efforts aim to seek a political and diplomatic resolution through the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the United Nations Security Council, and other meetings,” said Mu’ti.
Reconciliation, according to Mu’ti, should take precedence, as the involvement of additional nations could exacerbate the existing humanitarian crisis, resulting in further casualties.
“Fourth, we are greatly concerned about the actions of the Zionist forces who are accountable for assaulting innocent civilians, damaging vital infrastructure, impeding humanitarian aid to Gaza, and shutting down the Al-Aqsa Mosque. These actions by Israel are unjustifiable from any standpoint,” said Mu’ti.
“Fifth, amid the continuous conflict and hostilities, a peaceful resolution is still possible through the means of dialogue. While this may not be a universally popular choice, I firmly believe that continuing down the path of hostilities is not a fair or feasible resolution,” said Mu’ti.
