UMS Rector Calls for 8 Demands in Defense of Palestine

The Rector of UMS, Prof. Dr. Sofyan Anif, M.Si., issued a statement during the Action to Defend Palestine and Condemn Israel on Tuesday (7/5/2024), in front of the Siti Walidah Main Building at UMS. This call was in line with the guidance of the Muhammadiyah-Aisyiyah University  Rector Forum (PTMA) and was conducted simultaneously with 172 PTMAs across Indonesia.

For nearly a century, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has remained unresolved. This ongoing conflict is largely driven by Israel's mission to control Palestinian land, which involves the expulsion and killing of the Palestinian people.

The Rector of UMS revealed that since October 7, 2023, Israeli military aggression and attacks against Palestinians have been the most heinous, barbaric, and brutal in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The death toll has reached nearly 35,000, with 77,867 people wounded. Most of the victims are women and children.

Most of the Gaza Strip has been reduced to rubble. The supply of food and humanitarian aid to Palestine is strictly monitored and restricted by the Israeli army, leading to widespread hunger and suffering. Ironically, Israel’s actions against the Palestinians have been condoned and supported by Western countries such as Britain, France, Germany, and the United States.

In response to this, the Muhammadiyah-Aisyiyah University Rectors Forum expressed its firm stance as follows:

1. Strongly condemn Israel for its disproportionate military aggression and attacks, mass arrests of Palestinian civilians, destruction of various public facilities, especially health facilities, and blockade of humanitarian aid.
   
2. Condemn the attitude of the United States, France, Britain, Germany, and other countries and parties that continue to provide support and assistance to Israel in its aggression and attacks against Palestine.
3. Call on the United Nations to enforce and facilitate negotiations and a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine.
4. Support the International Criminal Court (ICC) in prosecuting Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials involved in the genocide of Palestinians.
5. Condemn the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Rabithah Alam Islami, and Arab countries for their weakness and tendency to allow Israel to freely attack and kill Palestinians, prioritizing their own domestic interests over the protection of Palestinian lives.
6. Request the Government of Indonesia to refrain from considering any political steps towards establishing diplomatic relations with Israel, an aggressor and perpetrator of genocide.
7. In the name of human rights and the great message of the Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, which emphasizes that all forms of colonialism must be abolished, and considering the historical aspects of the relationship between Indonesia and Palestine, we request that the Government of Indonesia strengthen diplomacy with other countries to realize the birth of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.
8. Invite all levels of Indonesian society to remain vigilant and attentive to the development of the conflict between Israel and Palestine, and to continue providing moral, material, and spiritual support to the Palestinian people's struggle.

This statement was delivered by the Rectors Forum of Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah Universities in front of the peaceful protesters.

Writer: Fika

Editor: Gede

Translator: Farizal

Source: News UMS