Indonesia Offers Temporary Shelter to Gaza War Victims, Pledges Initial Evacuation of 1,000
Key Points:
- Humanitarian Evacuation Plan: Indonesia will temporarily take in up to 1,000 Palestinians from Gaza, prioritizing the injured, orphans, and trauma victims, until they recover and can safely return.
- Diplomatic Coordination: President Prabowo Subianto directed Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi to work with Palestinian authorities and regional partners to facilitate the evacuations.
- Political & Moral Stance: The move reinforces Indonesia’s pro-Palestinian stance, opposing forced displacement and advocating for a two-state solution. Prabowo called it a reflection of the country’s “longstanding commitment” to Palestine.
- Logistical Challenges: No timeline was given, but preparations are underway. The plan aligns with Indonesia’s broader push for a greater humanitarian-diplomatic role, including potential peacekeeping contributions.
- Regional Engagement: Prabowo’s upcoming visits to Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar—key mediators—signal Jakarta’s intent to deepen involvement in resolving the crisis.
Context:
- The war has killed over 50,700 Gazans, mostly women and children, since October 2023.
- Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, has consistently provided aid and condemned Israeli actions, recently rejecting Trump’s suggestion of permanent Gazan resettlement.
Indonesia’s offer provides critical relief amid Gaza’s devastation, though logistical and political hurdles remain. By stepping up as a sanctuary and diplomatic actor, Jakarta strengthens its global humanitarian profile while reaffirming its solidarity with Palestine. The move also pressures other nations to share responsibility in addressing the crisis.
