INDONESIA VOICES CONCERN OVER WORSENING MIDDLE EAST CRISIS

JAKARTA, Oct 2 (Bernama) -- Indonesia has expressed deep concern over the worsening situation in the Middle East and urged all parties to exercise restraint.

Echoing the concerns of the United Nations Secretary-General, Indonesia expressed fears that the conflict could escalate, said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rolliansyah Soemirat.

“Indonesia reiterates the importance of the United Nations Security Council holding a special meeting to discuss the current situation and to make decisions that can help de-escalate tensions in the region,” he said in a statement Wednesday.

Amid the escalating situation in Lebanon, the safety of Indonesian citizens remains a top priority, with the government currently conducting evacuations of its nationals.

“All Indonesian embassies in the region are continuing to coordinate and communicate with Indonesian citizens in their respective areas,” he added.

Local media reported that the director of Citizen Protection at the ministry, Judha Nugraha stated that there are 159 Indonesian citizens in Lebanon.

The number does not include staff from the Indonesian Embassy and personnel from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) who are part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Recent Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have caused 55 deaths and 156 injuries, with intensified attacks since September 23 amid rising tensions with Hezbollah, and ongoing exchanges of fire along the border since October 8, 2023, as the war between Hamas and Israel continues in the Gaza Strip.

-- BERNAMA