MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – Muhammadiyah welcomes the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel after 460 days of conflict. The movement sees this as a significant step toward peace and the well-being of Palestinians, especially those living in Gaza.
“This ceasefire is a moment of hope for peace and prosperity, not just for Gaza but for Palestine as a whole,” said Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Syafiq Mughni on Thursday, January 16.
Syafiq stressed that this ceasefire must be taken seriously and fully respected by all parties. He noted that, in the past, similar agreements have often been violated by Israel, undermining efforts to end the violence.
“Unfortunately, Israel has frequently broken both bilateral and multilateral agreements,” said Sayfiq.
While skepticism remains about the possibility of lasting peace in Palestine, Muhammadiyah, alongside the international community, remains hopeful and committed to supporting peace efforts. Syafiq urged the United States, a significant actor in the region, to reduce its involvement in ways that have historically complicated Palestine’s pursuit of independence and sovereignty.
“The U.S. often plays a role that perpetuates injustice and delays Palestine’s freedom. We hope they reconsider their approach,” he said.
Syafiq also called on the Indonesian government to strengthen its efforts in supporting Palestinian independence and to advocate for Palestine’s recognition as a full member of the United Nations.
Beyond advocacy, Muhammadiyah has taken tangible steps to support the Palestinian people. Syafiq emphasized the need for internal unity among Palestinians, urging them to work together for peace and solidarity in the face of their challenges.
“Peace and unity among Palestinians themselves are crucial for addressing this long-standing conflict,” he stated.
Muhammadiyah has also run the Peacebuilding program and provided humanitarian aid to Palestinians, including scholarships for Palestinian students to study at Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah universities. These initiatives aim to build resilience and improve the quality of life for Palestinians.
