Gus Yahya: There is no alternative; the war in the Middle East must be halted

Yahya Cholil Staquf, the head of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU), said that the only way to address the escalating conflict in the Middle East is to stop the war and swiftly realise peace. He made the remarks while attending an Iftar Ramadhan hosted by President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Thursday.

‘We have no choice but to strive with all our might for peace, to stop the war, stop, stop the war, stop, peace now,’ he said when asked about the stance of NU on the intensifying conflict in the Middle East.

The religious figure, popularly known as Gus Yahya, said the world had no other option but to strive with all its might to end the ongoing war. He warned that all forms of violence that continue would only bring greater destruction and threaten the safety of all parties.

‘There is no alternative. Because if we don’t, no one will be saved,’ he said.

Therefore, he emphasised that all forms of violence must be halted as quickly as possible by any means available in order to achieve peace.

At the event, Gus Yahya also revealed that in the iftar meeting with leaders and scholars, President Prabowo is likely to address several important matters, including strategic steps being taken by the government. He estimated that the President would explain various policies, both related to domestic situations and the evolving international dynamics.

Furthermore, according to Gus Yahya, the President is also expected to share his views with leaders and scholars on the latest developments in the global situation that are considered rather worrying. ‘Perhaps he will also offer, share his views with leaders and scholars on the latest developments in the international dynamics that are indeed very worrying,’ he said.

According to Gus Yahya, the meeting represents an important moment to hear directly the President’s views and explanations regarding these developments, while also strengthening communication between the government and community leaders.