Inp.polri.go.id - Surabaya.  Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi strongly condemned Israel's airstrikes on Lebanon, which began on Monday,, and continued into Tuesday. 

Speaking during the 79th UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday (25/9/2024), she denounced the attacks that have claimed hundreds of civilian lives.

"We condemn Israel's strikes on Lebanon, which have killed hundreds of civilians, including children," said Minister Retno, as quoted by antaranews.com.. 

As of Tuesday, the death toll had reached 558, with over a thousand injured, according to Lebanon's government, as cited by Reuters.

Minister Retno emphasized that such violence must not become the "new normal" in the already tense Middle East. 

"The UN Security Council and the international community must take decisive steps to de-escalate and end the violence," she added.

With 1,232 Indonesian peacekeepers stationed in Lebanon, Minister Retno stressed the need for their safety and urged for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid, particularly for Palestine.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)