Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia, Zuhair Al-Shun, has urged for international economic sanctions against Israel due to its military operations in Gaza. He argues that such measures are necessary to compel Israel to heed international calls for a ceasefire. Despite a recent UN resolution calling for a humanitarian truce, Israel’s actions have continued unabated, prompting allegations of war crimes and violations of international law.
Zuhair Al-Shun, the Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia, has issued a call for the international community to enforce economic sanctions against Israel due to its ongoing military actions and blockades in the Gaza Strip. Speaking during a candle-lighting event at the Palestinian Embassy in Jakarta on November 2, 2023, Al-Shun emphasized the necessity of isolating Israel both economically and politically, as well as regulating travel to the region. Al-Shun articulated that economic sanctions are essential, stating, “They refused to listen to anyone,” in reference to Israel’s disregard for international calls for a cessation of hostilities. He likened the situation to previous instances, such as the sanctions imposed on Russia following its military invasion of Ukraine. On October 27, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian truce between Israel and Hamas, passing with a significant majority of 120 votes, while 45 nations abstained, and 14, including Israel and the United States, rejected it. Despite this UN resolution, Israel’s military actions in Gaza have persisted, leading to accusations of disproportionate force and potential war crimes under international law. Al-Shun further asserted that international stakeholders committed to peace must adhere to legal frameworks and hold Israel accountable for its actions, which he described as “massacres against Palestinians.” This statement reflects a broader sentiment within Palestinian authorities advocating for an investigation into alleged war crimes perpetrated by Israel. Previously, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki had engaged with the International Criminal Court (ICC) to prompt investigations into these claims. The ICC’s chief prosecutor has indicated that the court possesses the authority to investigate war crimes committed by both Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip, as well as the alleged war crimes resulting from the withholding of humanitarian aid to the region.
The international discourse surrounding the conflict between Israel and Palestine continues to escalate, marked by incidents of violence and calls for intervention. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by ongoing military actions from Israel, has drawn widespread condemnation and calls for accountability from various global entities, including the United Nations. Economic sanctions have historically been employed as a means to influence state behavior, notably in instances such as the sanctions imposed on Russia following its actions in Ukraine. The current climate suggests an urgent demand for coordinated international efforts to address the ongoing violence and humanitarian concerns in the region.
In summary, the appeal by Palestinian Ambassador Zuhair Al-Shun for international economic sanctions against Israel underscores the gravity of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. His comments highlight the need for global consensus in holding Israel accountable for its actions and reflect a broader call for compliance with international law and humanitarian norms. The situation remains critical, with recent UN resolutions indicating a preference for diplomatic resolutions amidst increasing violence.
Original Source: en.tempo.co
