akarta has welcomed a temporary cease-fire agreement between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas while continuing its efforts to find a permanent solution to the conflict in Gaza.
“Indonesia welcomes the temporary humanitarian pause agreement in Gaza to allow for wide access for humanitarian aid to Gaza, including from the government and people of Indonesia,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
Qatar, which has been mediating between the belligerents in Gaza, announced on Wednesday that both sides had agreed to a four-day cease-fire, during which Hamas would release 50 Israeli hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners.
Al Jazeera reported that the cease-fire would start on Thursday morning. Israel has made clear that once the four days have elapsed, it will continue its operation to eradicate Hamas.
Indonesia said the agreement could help “start serious discussions toward a comprehensive and just peace” and bring the parties closer to ending conflict in the region for good.
The bloody conflict between Hamas and Israel, sparked by Hamas’ surprise Oct. 7 assault on Israel, followed by sharp retaliation from Tel Aviv, has killed over 10,000 in the Palestinian enclave and more than 1,000 people in Israel in the past six weeks. In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military has targeted hospitals and refugee camps it believes have been doubling as Hamas strongholds, despite outcry from the international community.
Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, along with a band of foreign ministers from Muslim-majority countries, including the Palestinian Authority’s top diplomat, are on a journey to London and Paris in an effort to lift the siege on Gaza and start a lasting peace process.
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