Indonesia denounces Israel ‘propaganda’ banner over Gaza hospital ruins

Published
0
Smoke rises following an Israeli strike near the Indonesian Hospital in the northern Gaza Strip, on Nov 12, 2023. — Reuters/File
Smoke rises following an Israeli strike near the Indonesian Hospital in the northern Gaza Strip, on Nov 12, 2023. — Reuters/File

Indonesia on Wednesday accused Israel of flying a “propaganda” banner over the ruins of a hospital that had been built in Gaza with Indonesian funding.

The Indonesia Hospital, in the north of the Gaza Strip near the fortified border with Israel, was opened in late 2015 after Indonesia’s Medical Emergency Rescue Committee, a humanitarian NGO, raised approximately $7.3 million in donations for its construction, according to state news agency Antara.

It has since been destroyed, and Jakarta on Wednesday objected to the raising of a banner over the ruins that alluded to Israel’s 12-day “Rising Lion” military operation against Iran last year.

“The use of military symbols and propaganda over the ruins of a destroyed hospital, especially when linked to a specific military operation, is a highly provocative act and cannot be justified,” the foreign ministry said in a statement posted on X.

“This act is an insult to a humanitarian facility built from the solidarity of the Indonesian people for the Palestinian people.”

The ministry said all medical facilities “must be respected and protected” under international humanitarian law and called on Israel to cease actions that endanger civilian infrastructure.

In 2023, Indonesia denied an Israeli claim that the hospital sat atop a network of Hamas tunnels.

Opinion

Editorial

Restructuring plans
Updated 10 Nov, 2026

Restructuring plans

It would be a much wiser move, politically speaking, to take up any debate on administrative restructuring again after the next general election.
Extreme heat
Updated 10 Nov, 2026

Extreme heat

Climate adaptation is yet to find a place in our agricultural policies.
Israel power struggle
10 Nov, 2026

Israel power struggle

A POWER struggle is emerging after last month’s elections in Israel resulted in no party securing the requisite...
Antalya agenda
Updated 09 Nov, 2026

Antalya agenda

For Pakistan, the priority should be to secure easier access to climate funds, more grants rather than debt-creating loans, and clear deadlines for financial contributions.
Beyond viewership
09 Nov, 2026

Beyond viewership

PAKISTAN has an enormous appetite for online content. According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, it...
Rabid Modi
Updated 09 Nov, 2026

Rabid Modi

Modi’s silence throughout his reign of fear shows his endorsement of hate.