Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government has denounced hundreds of Israeli settlers who forcibly entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City of occupied Jerusalem during their Flag March event on Wednesday.
"Such actions are highly provocative and deeply offend Muslims globally," Indonesia's Foreign Ministry stated in a post on the social media platform X on Thursday evening.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque is Islam's third-holiest site, following Mecca's Masjidil Haram and Medina's Prophet's Mosque in Saudi Arabia.
In its statement, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry reiterated its calls for an immediate end to all forms of violations and acts of violence carried out by the Israeli forces in Palestine's occupied territories, including the Gaza Strip.
Regarding the Flag March, WAFA reported on June 5 that thousands of Israeli settlers, escorted by Israeli police, stormed the Old City of occupied Jerusalem, initiating the event.
Entering through the Jaffa Gate and Damascus Gate, they marched through the Old City neighborhoods to the Western Wall Plaza, adjacent to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, according to the Palestinian news agency.
The Flag March is an annual event that marks the anniversary of the 1967 occupation of Jerusalem.
The flag-waving march was joined by the Israeli government's ministers and Knesset members, including the ultranationalist National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Heritage Minister Amihai Eliyahu, and Transportation Minister Miri Regev.
During the provocative march, Israeli settlers attacked numerous Jerusalem residents and journalists, resulting in several injuries. The assaults involved the Israeli police, with some settlers reportedly armed.
The Israeli police arrested several local Palestinians, including children, following the attacks, according to WAFA.
In respect to the Palestine people's unfinished struggle for their independence, ANTARA noted that Palestine has had and will always have a special position in Indonesian foreign policy.
Indonesia's unwavering support for Palestine remains a cornerstone of its foreign policy, a stance unchanged since President Soekarno's era.
In 1962, this founding father of Indonesia made a statement that was then used as a form of guidance in Indonesian foreign policy on Palestinian issues.
"As long as the freedom of Palestine has yet to be returned to the Palestinians, it will forever be for Indonesia to stand in defiance against the occupation by Israel," Soekarno stated.
Related news: Indonesia supports two-state solution as per global consensus
Related news: Indonesia condemns demolition of Palestinian homes in Jerusalem
Translator: Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Anton Santoso
