Gus Dur Asks Indonesians to Help Palestinians
VIVAnews - Abdurrahman Wahid, familiarly known as Gus Dur, former President of Indonesia, asks the Indonesian community to help the Palestinians and avoid provocations by parties who wish to use the Palestinian issue for their own interests.
“The attacks by Israel’s conservatives on the Palestinian community since two days ago has killed more than 300 and injured 700 others. These attacks constitute a violation of human rights and the principles of peace that are being processed in the Middle East, especially in Palestine, said Gus Dur in a press release received by VIVAnews, Tuesday, Dec. 30.
According to Gus Dur, all acts of violence committed by conservative Israelis will never resolve the conflict. Israel also cannot justify its acts as a reaction towards previous attacks by Hamas or as a form of self defense.
As such, Gus Dur condemns all forms of violence in dealing with political issues and conflict resolution in the Middle East, especially in Palestine. He demands that the Israel military forces stop all attacks and retreat from Palestinian territory, especially the Gaza Strip. By the same token, Gus Dur also asks Hamas to stop using violent means as well. “Go back to diplomatic efforts and negotiations, not violence that would only result in victimizing the people of Palestine,” he said.
He went on to ask Indonesians to help the Palestinian community as best they can. “I ask the Muslim community in Indonesia to help the Palestinian people in his or her own capacity, such as prayers, and other forms of help,” he said.
Translated by: Ramona Sofianne Dewi
Geger, Mayat Pria Ditemukan Tanpa Bola Mata dan Telinga di Kebun Sawit Agam
Korban diketahui adalah Aliwarman (45 tahun), seorang satpam Koperasi Unit Desa (KUD) Plasma Tiku V Jorong, Kabupaten Agam, Sumatera Barat (Sumbar).
