Indonesia: Muslim groups urge UN action against Israel

JAKARTA

The two top Muslim groups in Indonesia on Sunday urged the UN to crack down on Israel in the wake of its airstrikes razing the Anadolu Agency office in the Gaza Strip.

Abdul Mu'ti, the secretary of Muhammadiyah, said Saturday’s attack violated international law.

"Israel has clearly violated the sovereignty of other countries and media freedom," Mu'ti told Anadolu Agency.

The UN Security Council, said Mu'ti, must urge Israel to stop its aggression.

Likewise, Muslim countries and communities must not be silent in the face of Israeli violence, he added.

"They must show Islamic solidarity with political support for Turkey, press freedom, and the nation's integrity," Mu'ti said.

Bahtiar Effendy, Muhammadiyah’s top foreign policy official, said the attack should be condemned not only by sympathizers and supporters of Palestine but also those who believe in freedom of expression.

"This brutal act of Israel clearly wants to silence the mass media, which has been preaching the increasingly alarming condition of Gaza," Bahtiar said.

Despite its razed office, Bahtiar said Anadolu Agency will not shrink from reporting the facts of Israel violence on Palestine.

The attack will only confirm Anadolu Agency's confidence and commitment in carrying out its press functions, he said.

Muhammadiyah will always support the news opening the world’s eyes about what Israel is doing to Palestine, Bahtiar said.

- ‘Inhuman act’

Helmy Faishal Zain, the head of Nahdlatul Ulama’s (PNBU) Executive Board, said the attack was an inhuman act and wounded humanity.

"Violence in any form, and with any motives, is not justified, because it is a crime against humanity," said Helmy.

The PBNU, Helmy added, urged the UN to immediately investigate and take firm action against the perpetrators of the attack.

At the same time, added Helmy, the PBNU supports the Indonesian government taking proactive steps to help deal with extremism, terrorism, and conflict in the Middle East.

Robikin Emhas, a legal official at PBNU, hailed the press’ role in democracy, in informing and educating people.

"Threats and violence against the press cannot be justified and must be accounted for, both publicly and legally," Robikin said.

Israeli warplanes hit the Anadolu Agency building Saturday with at least five missiles after warning shots, reported the Anadolu Agency correspondent in Gaza.

No injuries or deaths were reported.