Palestinian Cause Is Of Global Concern: Legislator

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Fahri Hamzah has said the Palestine-Israel conflict is not just an Arab concern but also a global concern because of Palestine's significance in some faiths.       

"Palestine has many holy sites that are of importance to some religions. Palestine is mentioned in many religious books, may be this is why it has many ordeals," Fahri Hamzah said here Thursday on the sidelines of the Asian-African Parliamentary Conference.

Problems faced by the Palestinian people include injustices caused by its occupation by Israel since 1947 with the support of the US and its allies, such as Britain, Canada, Germany, and France.

Palestine must get political and humanitarian support, he stated.

The people of Indonesia have been sending humanitarian assistance to Palestine for many years, he noted, adding that the Indonesian people have given more than the Indonesian Government to Palestine.

"The Indonesian people have built a hospital, some houses, etc., in Palestine," he noted.

He urged the Indonesian Government and other Asian and African countries to establish economic cooperation with Palestine.

"Destroy blockages in Gaza so it can be accessed by every country in the world," he remarked.

Palestinian land occupied by Israel must be seized back, he stressed.

In line with the Indonesian Constitution 1945, Indonesia is against colonialism and occupation, as freedom is the right of every nation and a blessing from God.

 "Indonesia's stance has remained unchanged for 60 years.  President Joko Widodo shares the view of President Sukarno (on the independence of Palestine). Asian and African nations still owe it to Palestine," he added. (WDY)