OIC Seeks China’s Support for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza

Jayanty Nada Shofa
November 21, 2023 | 9:10 am
SHARE
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation foreign ministers meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Nov. 20, 2023. (Antara Photo/Desca Lidya Natalia)
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation foreign ministers meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Nov. 20, 2023. (Antara Photo/Desca Lidya Natalia)

Jakarta. The Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is in pursuit of China’s support for an immediate ceasefire in the war-torn Gaza.

Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi visited China's capital Beijing to amass support from the United Nations (UN) Security Council permanent members. Retno was not alone on Monday’s Beijing trip. She came with her Saudi, Jordanian, Egyptian, and Palestinian counterparts. OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha was also present during the meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

“Our visit to Beijing … is to amass support, particularly from the UN Security Council permanent members, better known as the P5. We are asking for their support for an immediate ceasefire and allow an uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian assistance,” Retno said in a recorded press statement on Monday.

China is one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council with the others being Russia, the US, France, and the UK. Beijing is also currently chairing the premier body for maintaining international peace and security. 

Advertisement

According to Retno, the OIC’s Beijing visit was a follow-up to the resolution that the grouping of Muslim-majority nations had adopted earlier this month at its joint summit with the Arab League. The resolution mandated the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye, Indonesia, and Nigeria to help initiate an international action to stop the Gaza war.

“The OIC hopes China can support what the OIC foreign ministers are doing as the UN Security Council plans to hold a ministerial meeting on the Gaza situation later this month,” Retno said.

The minister revealed that the OIC diplomats were planning to visit Russia’s Moscow for the same reason the following day. 

An Indonesian hospital in Gaza recently came under Israeli attack which killed at least a dozen people. The Foreign Affairs Ministry lost contact with the three Indonesians who were volunteering at the hospital.

“The attack is a clear violation of international humanitarian law. All countries, particularly those who have close relations with Israel, must use all of its influence and capabilities to urge Israel to stop their atrocities,” Retno said.

The UN Security Council just last week passed a resolution calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses in the Gaza Strip. The resolution also asked for the unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas. Twelve members voted in favor, while Russia, the US, and the UK abstained. China during the UN Security Council meeting said that the body should have adopted a more robust resolution earlier. Beijing also urged Israel to end hostilities against civilian facilities.

Tags: Keywords:
SHARE

Related Articles


Business May 23, 2025 | 10:08 am

Luhut Proposes $1 Billion Joint Investment Between Indonesia’s Danantara and China’s Sovereign Wealth Entities

During a high-level meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Luhut proposed the creation of a joint sovereign wealth initiative.
News May 15, 2025 | 9:49 am

Prabowo Urges Islamic Unity, Calls for Concrete Action on Palestine at PUIC Summit

Prabowo calls for Muslim unity and real action on Palestine at PUIC summit, as Indonesia urges Israel’s trial at the ICJ.
Business Apr 24, 2025 | 4:32 pm

Durian Diplomacy: China Seeks to Import King of Fruits from Indonesia

China has shown "strong interest" to buy Indonesian durians, senior diplomat Rolliansyah "Roy" Soemirat says.
Business Apr 22, 2025 | 10:16 am

Abusing Tariffs Will Seriously Undermine Trade, China Tells Indonesia

China tells Indonesia that it should oppose any kind of trade protectionism as US launches tariffs on the world's economies.
Business Apr 22, 2025 | 10:16 am

Abusing Tariffs Will Seriously Undermine Trade, China Tells Indonesia

China tells Indonesia that it should oppose any kind of trade protectionism as US launches tariffs on the world's economies.
News Feb 25, 2025 | 5:50 am

US Votes Against UN Resolution Demanding Russia Withdraw Its Forces from Ukraine

The United States joined Russia in voting against a Europe-backed Ukrainian resolution.
News Feb 10, 2025 | 8:35 am

Germany's Scholz Describes Trump's Gaza Proposal As 'Scandal' 

His main challenger also voiced unease but suggested there’s “a lot of rhetoric” coming from Washington.
News Feb 9, 2025 | 7:24 pm

Israeli Forces Begin to Withdraw From Key Gaza Corridor

The withdrawal of forces from the area fulfills another commitment to the deal, which paused the 15-month war.
News Jan 29, 2025 | 11:59 pm

Hamas Set to Free 3 Israelis and 5 Thais in Next Hostage Release

The identities of the Thai nationals were not immediately known.
Business Jan 14, 2025 | 2:53 pm

Ex-Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi Picked as Vale’s Commissioner

Since stepping down from her ministerial post, Retno has snagged some strategic positions in the private sector.

The Latest


News 8 hours ago

Bloody Brawl Erupts at Cockfighting Arena in Bali, Leaving One Dead

Cockfighting, known locally as tajen, is a traditional but controversial practice in Bali.
News 8 hours ago

Military Parade Rolls Through DC as 'No Kings' Protesters across US Decry Trump

About 6 in 10 Americans said Saturday’s parade was “not a good use” of government money.
Lifestyle 20 hours ago

Hard Rain, Harder Rock: The SIGIT Ignites Semesta Berpesta in Soaked Bandung Night

The SIGIT lit up a rain-soaked Semesta Berpesta in Bandung, with fans moshing in ponchos and singing through the drizzle.
News 23 hours ago

Air India Crash Death Toll Rises to 270

Air India crash death toll climbs to 270 as search teams recover more bodies; investigators analyze black box for crash clues.
News 23 hours ago

Australian Man Killed, Another Injured in Bali Villa Shooting

An Australian man was killed and another wounded after a gunman broke into their villa in Bali's Badung regency early Saturday morning.
COPYRIGHT © 2025 JAKARTA GLOBE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED