REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Indonesian government's permanent representative to the United Nations, along with several countries, is pushing for a special session of the UN general assembly in New York as soon as possible to discuss the humanitarian disaster in Gaza. The insistence comes after the failure of numerous resolutions produced by the UN Security Council (UNSC).

Indonesia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Arrmanatha Nasir, said the debate at the UN is intense and high. After several resolutions were offered both from temporary members, such as Brazil and Malta as well as permanent members of the UNSC, such as Russia.

Among the latest efforts is lobbying to both Hamas and Israel, for an immediate hostage release attempt. Russia also on October 13 proposed a draft resolution to be offered to the UN Security Council, stressing three points.

First, there was an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages. Second, immediately channeled humanitarian aid, and Third condemnation of attacks on civilians. “This is actually a very simple draft, for there to be a call from the UN Security Council to stop the attack on Gaza, but this draft was vetoed by the US,” Arrmanatha told reporters via zoom on Tuesday (24/10/2023) evening.

He said the draft resolution from Russia was suspected by Western countries and the United States. However, many developing countries support the Russian draft.

Brazil then issued its own resolution, similar to the Russian proposal but with more detail, including a condemnation of Hamas, as Western countries and the United States wanted. But as it has not been finalised, the final moment will be discussed back on 18 October. But still Brazil's resolution was vetoed by the US.

Later in the day, an emergency meeting was held after the RS attack in Gaza, Brazil called for an open emergency meeting, but several non-UN Security Council countries could not deliver their votes.

On October 19, Russia opened the sponsorship of the UN's non-DK countries, as the Russian draft received the support of many countries. Indonesia also co-sponsors, including Malaysia and Egypt.

So after three attempts at resolution, all three were unsuccessful. Thus, it is seen by many countries that the UN Security Council has failed to perform its duties, so that other options are needed for the UN to take concrete steps. Indonesia, along with Arab League countries and Islamic State, proposed that the issue be brought to the UN general assembly.

Arrmanatha said the Islamic State, which is a member of the OIC and the Arab League, has written to the presidium of the UN general assembly to hold a general session immediately. “And Indonesia is currently mobilizing votes to move the UN general assembly, so that on October 20 Indonesia will also issue a letter to the UN and will hold a UN general assembly,” he said.

A special session is planned at the UN general assembly in New York, where the session will be held on October 26. According to him, this was a move by Indonesia and nine other countries that pushed for the UN general assembly to discuss the Gaza issue. On October 26, it is planned that the Minister of the Republic of Indonesia will speak at a special session at the UN general assembly on a solution for Gaza.

“Indonesia does not stand still, because from the beginning Indonesia communicated and coordinated with many parties and representatives in order to lower the escalation and immediately provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza,” he said.

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