GKB-NU Condemns Israel's Attack on Indonesian Peacekeeping Forces, Urges Prabowo to Focus on Advocating for Palestinian Independence

The Gerakan Kebangkitan Baru Nahdlatul Ulama (GKB-NU) has strongly condemned Israel’s artillery strike that hit a base housing Indonesian troops in the Marjayoun district of southern Lebanon, resulting in the death of one TNI soldier and injuries to several personnel. “We strongly condemn the attack on the Indonesian peacekeeping headquarters in Lebanon by Israel. This is a humanitarian crime and a serious threat amid efforts at reconciliation in the increasingly heated conflict in the Middle East,” stated Initiator and General Chairman of GKB-NU, Hery Haryanto Azumi, to the media in Jakarta on Monday (30/3). In response to the incident, GKB-NU has called on Prabowo to focus on the struggle to realise an independent Palestine with concrete territory and an effective government. Previously, GKB-NU, as explained by Hery, views Indonesia as a middle power alongside southern countries such as Brazil, India, and South Africa, which has the opportunity to negotiate the world’s future by standing to light the torch of existence and leadership of the Global South. “President Prabowo, with so many domestic and international challenges following Indonesia’s joining of BRICS and BoP, has the opportunity to expand this Global South pole, considering the historical reputation in the Asia-Africa Conference and the Non-Aligned Movement,” he explained. “Of course, the Global South mission is not like Iran’s determination to eliminate the existence of a country like Israel or Israel’s insistence on not accepting the State of Palestine, but rather to restore a more equal world balance, negotiate peace and justice, and build a multipolar world system that guarantees a new world that is more humane,” Hery concluded. For information, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that the shooting hit the headquarters used by the Indonesian contingent of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in the city of Adshit al-Qusayr. The incident has raised new concerns about the safety of international forces amid increasing cross-border tensions in the region. President Prabowo has expressed deep condolences over the deaths of three TNI soldiers in Lebanon. Indonesia demands a transparent investigation into the attack on UNIFIL personnel. The Indonesian government has issued a firm condemnation of the second attack that occurred in the Bani Haiyyan area, southern Lebanon, on Monday (30/3). Deputy Chairman of the MPR RI, Lestari Moerdijat, has expressed deep condolences over the deaths of three Indonesian soldiers who were part of the UNIFIL mission in southern Lebanon. Three UN peacekeeping personnel were injured after their headquarters in southern Lebanon was hit by an attack allegedly launched by Israel. Military expert Jaleswari Pramodhawardani stated that the deaths of TNI soldiers in the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission should not be responded to with mere condemnation but with a total evaluation. The leadership of the DIY Regional People’s Representative Council has expressed deep condolences over the death of TNI soldier Private Farizal Romadhon.