MER-C Expresses Condolences over the Death of Three TNI Soldiers in Southern Lebanon

“Peace is not merely the absence of war. It is a virtue,” wrote philosopher Baruch Spinoza.

MER-C Indonesia, along with the Muslim Lawyers’ Team, has expressed deep condolences over the deaths of three Indonesian National Army (TNI) personnel who were carrying out duties as peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon. The three soldiers were reported to have been killed in an attack targeting the UNIFIL headquarters area. Meanwhile, several other personnel sustained injuries in the incident.

The Chairman of the MER-C Indonesia Presidium, Hadiki Habib, stated that this event is a very distressing humanitarian tragedy.

“This incident is a very distressing humanitarian tragedy. The TNI soldiers who fell were carrying out a noble mandate as part of the international mission to maintain world peace,” said Hadiki in his statement in Jakarta on Wednesday (1/4).

He added that the deaths of the soldiers serve as clear evidence of the worsening conflict situation in Lebanon.

“Their deaths are clear evidence that the conflict situation in Lebanon is deteriorating and no longer respects the basic principles of international humanitarian law,” he continued.

MER-C Indonesia and TPM also strongly condemn all forms of attacks on peacekeeping personnel and international mission facilities. According to them, such actions constitute serious violations of human rights and international norms that should be upheld by all conflicting parties.

In addition, they call on all parties involved in the conflict to immediately halt the violence.

“We also call on all parties involved in the conflict, particularly Israel as the trigger for the escalation of violence in the region, to immediately stop the attacks and respect the presence and neutrality of international teams carrying out humanitarian missions,” he emphasised.

On the other hand, MER-C highlights the situation in Lebanon, which is deemed to have entered a phase of increasingly severe humanitarian crisis. The prolonged conflict is said to have worsened the plight of civilians who need protection and urgent assistance.

“Therefore, MER-C Indonesia emphasises the importance of global solidarity to increase humanitarian aid for affected communities in Lebanon,” said Hadiki.

As a form of concern and moral responsibility, MER-C Indonesia states that it will continue to commit to providing attention and support for humanitarian efforts in conflict areas, including Lebanon.