President Prabowo Offers Temporary Shelter to Gaza Residents Amid Conflict

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has extended an offer to provide temporary shelter for Palestinians affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has escalated dramatically in recent weeks. His statement, made on Wednesday before embarking on a diplomatic visit to the Middle East, highlights Indonesia’s readiness to assist those displaced and harmed by the war between the Israeli military and Hamas.

Since Israel resumed military operations in Gaza last month, the situation has become increasingly dire. According to the United Nations, nearly 400,000 people have been displaced, and thousands have been wounded as a result of the violence. In response, President Prabowo announced that Indonesia was ready to provide sanctuary for up to 1,000 wounded Palestinians, particularly those who are suffering from serious injuries, trauma, or have been orphaned due to the conflict.

“We are ready to receive wounded victims,” Prabowo said before departing for a diplomatic mission in the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan. The President also mentioned that Indonesia would be prepared to send planes to transport these victims, prioritizing the most vulnerable, including injured individuals and orphaned children. The victims would remain in Indonesia until they recover and it is deemed safe for them to return to Gaza.

Indonesia’s offer is part of a broader humanitarian effort to support the Palestinian people during a time of extreme hardship. As the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, Indonesia has a long history of solidarity with Palestine, advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The country has consistently called for a two-state solution, one that recognizes the sovereignty of both Israel and Palestine, and has urged the international community to increase diplomatic pressure to end the violence.

Prabowo also confirmed that he had instructed his foreign minister to engage with Palestinian officials and other key stakeholders in the region to coordinate the logistics of the evacuation. The goal is to provide immediate relief to those in the most urgent need, while ensuring that any displaced individuals are able to safely return to their homeland once it is secure for them to do so.

In addition to his humanitarian gesture, Prabowo’s upcoming trip to the Middle East comes at a time of heightened diplomatic activity in the region. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a vocal supporter of Palestine, visited Indonesia earlier this year to strengthen bilateral ties. This visit resulted in both countries agreeing to deepen their cooperation on issues related to the Middle East, including humanitarian aid for Palestine. Prabowo’s planned address to the Turkish parliament during his visit is seen as an opportunity to further cement Indonesia’s position as a leading advocate for Palestinian rights.

Indonesia’s diplomatic engagement is also focused on ensuring that global attention remains on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The country’s proactive stance on providing aid and its calls for a negotiated settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict underscore its commitment to fostering peace and stability in the region. By offering shelter to Palestinian victims, President Prabowo aims to send a message of solidarity and reinforce Indonesia’s role in the ongoing global dialogue on Middle Eastern peace.