Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia, Zuhair Al-Shun, has called for international economic sanctions against Israel due to its military actions in the Gaza Strip, insisting on isolation and pressing for compliance with international law following the UN General Assembly’s plea for a humanitarian truce.
On November 2, 2023, during a candle-lighting event at the Palestinian Embassy in Jakarta, Palestinian Ambassador for Indonesia, Zuhair Al-Shun, urged the international community to impose economic sanctions against Israel due to its ongoing military actions in the Gaza Strip. Al-Shun emphasized that it is essential for Israel to be isolated and to face sanctions across economic, political, and travel spheres. He stated, “First, Israel must be isolated. Second, sanctions must be implemented against [Israel]. Economically, politically, and even regarding travel,” highlighting the need for international intervention as Israel continues its bombardments and blockades, ignoring calls for a ceasefire from the global community. Economic sanctions are designed to compel nations to alter their foreign policies and can encompass asset freezes, travel bans, and trade restrictions. Al-Shun pointed to the recent sanctions against Russia for its actions in Ukraine as a pertinent example of how sanctions can be utilized. He further remarked that the situation necessitates swift action, stating, “They refused to listen to anyone,” in reference to Israel’s disregard for international demands. This call for sanctions comes in light of the UN General Assembly’s resolution, adopted on October 27, which advocated for an immediate humanitarian truce between Israel and Hamas. This resolution, which garnered 120 votes in favor, faced opposition from 14 nations, including Israel and the United States. Despite this international consensus, Al-Shun noted that Israel has not ceased its military operations, which many observers consider excessive and potentially constitutive of war crimes. He stressed the importance of adherence to international law by stating, “Members of the international community who wish for peace must abide by international law and regulations.” Supporting this call, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki previously traveled to The Hague, advocating for an International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into Israel’s activities in Gaza. The ICC’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, indicated that the court possesses jurisdiction over allegations of war crimes committed by both Hamas and Israel, notwithstanding Israel’s non-membership in the ICC.
The Palestinian Ambassador’s call for economic sanctions against Israel emerges amidst heightened military conflict in Gaza, characterized by bombings and blockades by Israeli forces. Economic sanctions serve as a diplomatic strategy employed by nations to influence the behavior of a state actor perceived as engaging in adverse activities. This demand comes in the wake of a UN General Assembly resolution advocating for a humanitarian truce—a document that, despite its support, fails to tangibly alter the on-ground realities in Gaza. The call for sanction takes on increased urgency as Israel continues its operations in defiance of international pleas for restraint, prompting concerns regarding potential violations of international law.
In summary, Ambassador Al-Shun’s pleas for economic sanctions against Israel underscore the urgency of global intervention amid ongoing violence in Gaza. The call for sanctions reflects a broader sentiment within the international community regarding the need to uphold international law and protect human rights. The response of the world, particularly in terms of sanctions, will be pivotal in managing the conflict and potentially ameliorating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Original Source: en.tempo.co
