Indonesia Holds Massive Demonstration in Support of Palestinians, Burning Pictures of Biden and Netanyahu

Moscow, October 21 – Demonstrators in Indonesia Show Support for Palestinians

Hundreds of demonstrators in Indonesia gathered in front of the US Embassy in Jakarta and the local United Nations office to express their support for the Palestinian people. During the march, they burned pictures of US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Indonesians Stand in Solidarity with Palestine

According to Tempo magazine, one protester stated, “Here in Indonesia, we stand with the country that should be independent.” Several hundred Indonesians participated in the demonstration in Jakarta.

Protesters Express Their Discontent

The crowd burned Israeli flags and pictures of Netanyahu and Biden while chanting slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine is liberated.” These slogans are seen as an infringement on Israeli territory.

Criticism of Israel and America

Tembo reported that protesters also raised banners criticizing Israel for its occupation of Palestinian lands and America for funding Israel.

Indonesians’ Journey and McDonald’s Incident

After gathering at the US embassy, the Indonesians headed to the UN office, briefly stopping at a McDonald’s restaurant, which the activists sprayed with paint. The police intervened to prevent further damage. McDonald’s had previously faced criticism in Indonesia for providing free meals to Israeli soldiers.

Nationwide Solidarity in Indonesia

The solidarity march in Jakarta was one of several demonstrations held across Indonesia. Residents of cities like Yogyakarta, Semarang, Solo, Makassar, and Medan also showed their support for Palestine.

The Conflict and Casualties

The recent conflict between Israel and Palestine began with an unprecedented missile attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip. In response, Israel launched Operation Iron Swords against Hamas. The number of casualties in the Gaza Strip reached 4,137, while more than 1,300 people were killed in Israel.

Call for Ceasefire and Russian Position

The Russian Foreign Ministry called for a ceasefire, and President Vladimir Putin emphasized the need for a two-state solution based on UN Security Council resolutions. This solution would establish an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

A Decades-Long Conflict

The Palestinian-Israeli conflict, influenced by regional interests, has been a source of tension and fighting for many decades. The creation of two states, Israel and Palestine, was originally proposed by a UN resolution in 1947. However, only the Israeli state was established, and the Palestinian territories have not been fully liberated.