Indonesia condemns expulsion of Hebron observer force

By Nani Afrida

JAKARTA (AA) - Indonesia on Thursday condemned Israel's unilateral decision to expel a civilian observer mission in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron.

In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry, Indonesia stressed on the importance of the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH) mission and its efforts to foster peace.

Indonesia, Kuwait and other members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) have urged a closed-door meeting to discuss Israel's unilateral actions, it added

"Israel’s decision will only undermine efforts for peace and the realization of the two-state solutions,” the statement said.

Indonesian government has asked all parties to act within the principles of international law and in accordance with the existing agreements, as well as to refrain from provocative actions.

The ministry also reminded Israel that it has an obligation to protect the Palestinian population in Hebron and the rest of the occupied territories, as stipulated in international law.

The TIPH was established in 1994 based on an agreement between Israel and Palestine and following the UNSC Resolution 904.

Since it was established, the TIPH has become a very important mechanism to ensure the protection of Palestinian civilians in Hebron, especially against violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.