Indonesia Condemns Excavation of Israeli Tunnels in Al-Quds

Jeddah, MINA – Indonesia condemned Israeli actions of digging and making underground tunnels in Silwan area towards occupied Palestinian Al-Quds City (East Jerusalem).

The statement was delivered by Indonesian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdurrahman Mohammad Fachir at an Extraordinary Open Meeting from the Executive Committee of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at Foreign Minister’s Level in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday July 17.

“Indonesia strongly condemns Israel’s actions which undermine the hope of forming a two-state solution,” the Deputy Foreign Minister said in a press release on Friday July 19.

The meeting was held at the request of Palestinians in response to Israeli violations at Al-Quds Al-Sharif, related to the activities of excavating and making underground tunnels in Silwan area towards East Jerusalem as part of City of David construction project.

Furthermore, in the meeting held at OIC Headquarters in Jeddah, Deputy Foreign Minister Fachir expressed importance of OIC state to maintain the status of city of Jerusalem in accordance with international law, including UNESCO.

“As a member of current UNESCO Executive Board, Indonesia encourages all OIC member countries to maintain and protect the status of City of Jerusalem which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List,” he explained.

Related to the role of Indonesia in the UN Organization which focuses on the issue of education and culture. Indonesia also invited OIC member countries who served as members of UNESCO Executive Board to urge Israel to end all actions that violate international law.

In addition to encouraging Israel to stop its violations, Indonesia also encouraged a second track approach to moderate communities in Israel.

“We must involve all levels of society who share the same view, both from moderate Muslim community, Christians, and Jews,” said Foreign Minister Fachir.

Efforts to urge Israel must be carried out consistently, especially through activities that have a direct economic impact.

Deputy Foreign Minister stressed the importance of OIC to boycott Israeli products which are produced in the occupied territories.

“Indonesia calls on OKI Secretariat and Islamic Office for the Boycott of Israel (IBO) to immediately compile a list of Israeli products that are produced in illegal settlements with help of professional consultants as the basis for member countries’ policies to implement boycott policies,” he said.

The meeting resulted in a joint statement by OIC member countries regarding support for the Palestinian struggle in line with agreed resolutions related to Palestine.

Besides Indonesia, the meeting was also attended by a number of Ministers and High-ranking Officials from OIC member countries, including Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Maldives and Qatar. (T/Sj/P2)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)