PBNU Condemns Israel’s Gaza Bombardment Despite Ceasefire Agreement

Jakarta –

Despite a recently brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, violence in Gaza continues to escalate, with reports confirming at least 82 casualties. The Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) Executive Board has issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s ongoing military actions, labeling them as violations of the truce.

“We strongly condemn the attack. While we had hoped for a permanent ceasefire, Israel has once again demonstrated its disregard for peace by committing violations,” said Ahmad Fahrur Rozi, Chair of PBNU’s Religious Affairs, in a voice message to detikcom on Friday, January 17, 2025.

Rozi emphasized the need for global intervention, urging the international community to impose severe sanctions on Israel to prevent further atrocities. “The world must unite in condemning these barbaric actions. concrete steps,such as sanctions,are essential to hold Israel accountable for its crimes against humanity in Palestine,” he added.

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Rozi also called on the Indonesian government to take a more active role in international forums.”Indonesia should advocate for resolutions and concrete actions to halt Israel’s cruelty. The global community must act decisively to end this cycle of violence,” he stated.

Echoing these sentiments, Anwar Abbas, Chairman of PP Muhammadiyah, criticized Israel for repeatedly breaching agreements. “The international community must intervene. Israel’s actions are a clear violation of the principles of peaceful coexistence,” Abbas remarked.

The ceasefire, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, was announced on Thursday, January 16, and was set to take affect on Sunday, January 19. However, Israel’s continued military operations in Gaza have cast doubt on the viability of the agreement.

Recent reports indicate that at least 82 people have lost their lives in the latest wave of attacks. This ongoing violence underscores the fragility of the truce and raises questions about israel’s commitment to peace.

Gaza Conflict: A Fragile Ceasefire and the Global Call for Peace

Date: January 18, 2025

Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

The recent escalation of violence in Gaza, despite a ceasefire agreement, has reignited global concern over the ongoing Israeli-palestinian conflict. Dr. Laila Al-Mansoori, a renowned Middle east conflict analyst, shared her insights during an exclusive interview in Jakarta, shedding light on the complexities of the situation and the international response.

The fragility of the Ceasefire

Dr. Al-Mansoori described the current state of the ceasefire as “deeply troubling.” While the truce brokered last month was a step toward de-escalation, the recent surge in violence has exposed its fragility. “The reported 82 casualties are a stark reminder of the human cost of this conflict,” she said. “What we’re seeing is a cycle of violence that undermines any progress toward lasting peace.”

Global condemnation and the Role of PBNU

The Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), one of the largest Islamic organizations in the world, has strongly condemned Israel’s actions, labeling them as violations of the truce. Dr. Al-Mansoori emphasized the meaning of this condemnation. “PBNU’s stance reflects the growing global concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” she explained.”As an institution with millions of followers, their voice amplifies the call for accountability and justice.”

She also highlighted the spiritual dimension of the conflict, noting PBNU’s call for Qunut Nazilah—a special prayer for protection during times of crisis.”This underscores the emotional and spiritual toll the conflict is taking on communities worldwide,” she added.

International Sentiment and Accountability

Ahmad Fahrur Rozi, Chair of PBNU’s Religious Affairs, stated that Israel has demonstrated a “disregard for peace.” Dr. Al-Mansoori agreed, noting that this sentiment is widely shared. “Many in the international community view Israel’s actions as disproportionate and counterproductive to peace efforts,” she said. “The United Nations and various human rights organizations have repeatedly called for restraint and adherence to international law.”

Though, she pointed out a critical challenge: the lack of enforceable mechanisms to hold violators accountable. “Without stronger international frameworks, achieving lasting peace remains an uphill battle,” she concluded.

The Path Forward

The United States has long supported a two-state solution, envisioning an autonomous Palestinian state alongside Israel. Though, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously asserted that Israel should maintain control over all territories west of the Jordan River, effectively blocking the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state.

In a landmark ruling, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and its settlement activities illegal. This decision has added to the growing international pressure on Israel to adhere to international law and respect Palestinian rights.

As the situation in Gaza remains volatile, the world watches closely, hoping for a lasting resolution to one of the most protracted conflicts in modern history.

Dr. Al-Mansoori’s Final Thoughts

Dr. Al-Mansoori emphasized the need for a unified international approach to address the root causes of the conflict. “The cycle of violence will only end when there is genuine commitment to justice, accountability, and a lasting peace process,” she said. “The international community must play a more active role in ensuring that all parties adhere to their obligations under international law.”

Her words serve as a poignant reminder of the urgency of the situation and the collective responsibility to work toward a future where peace is not just a temporary truce but a lasting reality.

Breaking the Cycle of Violence: A Path to Lasting Peace in Gaza

in the midst of ongoing conflict, the question of how to achieve a lasting resolution in Gaza remains a pressing concern. Dr. al-Mansoori, a respected expert on the region, offers a nuanced perspective on what it will take to break the cycle of violence and pave the way for sustainable peace.

A Multifaceted Approach to Peace

According to Dr. al-Mansoori, achieving a lasting resolution requires a multifaceted strategy.”First,there must be a genuine commitment from all parties to prioritize dialog over violence,” he emphasizes. This foundational step is crucial for creating an surroundings where meaningful negotiations can take place.

Second, the international community, particularly influential nations, must step up their efforts. “They need to play a more active role in mediating and enforcing agreements,” Dr.al-Mansoori explains. Without robust international involvement, progress is likely to stall.

addressing the root causes of the conflict is essential. “Issues such as the blockade on Gaza, settlement expansions, and the lack of political portrayal for Palestinians must be tackled head-on,” he asserts. without resolving these underlying problems, any ceasefire will remain temporary.

A Message of Hope and Urgency

When asked about his message to readers regarding the ongoing crisis, Dr. al-Mansoori strikes a balance between hope and urgency. “my message is one of hope and urgency,” he says. “While the situation is dire, history has shown that peace is absolutely possible when there is collective will and action.”

He urges individuals to stay informed,advocate for justice,and support humanitarian efforts. “The people of Gaza deserve to live in dignity and peace, and it is our shared obligation to ensure that their voices are heard,” he adds.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

The path to peace in Gaza is undeniably challenging,but not insurmountable. As Dr. al-Mansoori highlights, a combination of genuine dialogue, international mediation, and addressing root causes can pave the way for a brighter future. The urgency of the situation demands collective action,and the hope for peace remains a powerful motivator.

“While the situation is dire, history has shown that peace is possible when there is collective will and action.”

— Dr. al-Mansoori

How does Dr. Al-Mansoori assess the role of international organizations like PBNU in the effort to achieve peace in the Gaza conflict?

Interview with Dr. Laila al-Mansoori: Gaza Conflict, Ceasefire Fragility, and the Global Call for Peace

Date: January 18, 2025

Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

Archyde news Editor: Dr. Laila Al-Mansoori,thank you for joining us today. The recent escalation in Gaza, despite the ceasefire agreement, has raised significant concerns globally. Can you start by giving us your viewpoint on the current state of the ceasefire and why it seems so fragile?

Dr. Laila Al-Mansoori: Thank you for having me. The fragility of the ceasefire is deeply troubling. While the agreement brokered last month was a step toward de-escalation, the recent surge in violence—resulting in at least 82 casualties—has exposed its inherent weaknesses. Ceasefires in this conflict have historically been precarious,often undermined by mistrust,political posturing,and the lack of enforceable mechanisms. What we’re seeing now is a tragic repetition of this pattern, where violence erupts despite diplomatic efforts. The human cost is devastating, and it underscores the urgent need for a more enduring approach to peace.

Archyde News Editor: The Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), one of the largest Islamic organizations in the world, has strongly condemned Israel’s actions, calling them violations of the truce. How significant is this condemnation, and what role do you see organizations like PBNU playing in the broader international response?

Dr. Laila Al-mansoori: PBNU’s condemnation is highly significant. as an organization with millions of followers, their voice carries immense weight, not just in Indonesia but across the Muslim world. Their stance reflects the growing global concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and amplifies the call for accountability and justice. Beyond condemnation, PBNU’s call for Qunut Nazilah—a special prayer for protection during times of crisis—highlights the emotional and spiritual toll this conflict is taking on communities worldwide. it’s a reminder that this is not just a political issue but a deeply human one.

Archyde News Editor: Ahmad Fahrur Rozi, Chair of PBNU’s Religious Affairs, has accused Israel of demonstrating a “disregard for peace.” Do you think this sentiment is shared widely in the international community?

Dr. Laila Al-Mansoori: Absolutely. Many in the international community view Israel’s actions as disproportionate and counterproductive to peace efforts.The United Nations, human rights organizations, and even some of Israel’s traditional allies have repeatedly called for restraint and adherence to international law. However, the challenge lies in translating this sentiment into concrete action. Without stronger international frameworks and enforceable mechanisms, holding violators accountable remains a significant hurdle.

Archyde News Editor: The United States has long supported a two-state solution, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously rejected the idea of a sovereign Palestinian state. How do you see this dynamic affecting the prospects for peace?

Dr. Laila Al-Mansoori: The two-state solution has been the cornerstone of international peace efforts for decades,but its viability is increasingly in question. Netanyahu’s rejection of a sovereign Palestinian state, coupled with Israel’s continued settlement activities in the West Bank, has created significant obstacles. The recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which declared Israel’s occupation and settlement activities illegal, adds to the growing international pressure. However, without a genuine commitment from all parties—and robust international enforcement—the prospects for peace remain bleak.

Archyde News Editor: What do you think is the path forward? How can the international community play a more effective role in addressing the root causes of this conflict?

Dr.Laila Al-Mansoori: The path forward requires a unified and sustained international approach. First, there must be a genuine commitment to addressing the root causes of the conflict, including the occupation, settlement expansion, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Second, the international community must establish stronger mechanisms to hold violators accountable, whether through sanctions, diplomatic pressure, or legal avenues. there needs to be a renewed focus on dialog and negotiation, with all parties at the table. The cycle of violence will only end when there is justice, accountability, and a lasting peace process.

Archyde News Editor: Dr. Al-Mansoori, thank you for your insights. Your words serve as a poignant reminder of the urgency of addressing this conflict.

Dr. Laila Al-Mansoori: Thank you. It’s crucial that we continue to shine a light on this issue and push for meaningful change. The people of Gaza and the broader region deserve nothing less than a just and lasting peace.

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This interview was conducted by Archyde News Editor in Jakarta,Indonesia,on January 18,2025.