Indonesia Calls for Israel to Uphold Obligations as Occupying Power in Palestinian Territory

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono has emphasized the importance of Israel upholding its obligations as an occupying power in the Palestinian territory, including Gaza. He noted that these obligations are affirmed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and numerous resolutions of the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly. Sugiono stressed that Israel's legal obligations extend beyond general duties owed by all states under international law, and that the Fourth Geneva Convention governs the protection of civilians during times of armed conflict and occupation.

Key Takeaways:

• Indonesia submits that Israel is duty-bound to ensure the provision of basic supplies, accept and facilitate relief schemes, maintain medical services and protect humanitarian personnel, refrain from collective punishment, and avoid forcibly transferring and deporting civilian population.
• Israel's obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention include providing essential supplies, including food, medical care, and other necessary services, and maintaining special protection for vulnerable groups such as children under 15, expectant mothers, and mothers of young children.
• Indonesia has called on Israel to cooperate with international humanitarian agencies to establish relief schemes for providing food, medical care, and other essential services, and to protect medical facilities, healthcare personnel, and healthcare services.
• The Geneva Conventions also impose strict obligations on Israel to protect medical facilities, healthcare personnel, and the provision of healthcare services, including ensuring that hospitals are not attacked and that medical personnel can carry out their work without interference.
• Israel has been accused of perpetrating collective punishment, prohibited under Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, through measures such as imposing a total siege and assigning collective guilt to civilians.
• The Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits the transfer or deportation of civilians from the occupied Palestinian territory, and Indonesia has called on Israel to respect this obligation and refrain from engaging in any actions that would lead to the unlawful transfer of civilians.

Sources:

• Antara News Agency, "Sugiono Tolak Israel Tak Menghormati Hukum HAM di Gaza," 01 May 2025
• International Court of Justice (ICJ), Public Hearings on Israel's Obligations in Connection with its Presence and Activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, 28-30 April 2025