Jakarta - Saba:
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto expressed his country's readiness on Wednesday to temporarily receive Palestinians from the Gaza Strip affected by the war there, according to Reuters news agency.
He also said he had instructed his foreign minister to quickly discuss with the Palestinian side and other parties how to evacuate Palestinians to Indonesia, a Muslim-majority country.
"We are ready to evacuate the wounded, injured, and orphaned," Prabowo said, adding that they will be in Indonesia temporarily until they fully recover from their injuries and the situation in Gaza becomes safe for their return. He estimated that the first wave could include around 1,000 Gazans.
Prabowo said Indonesia wants to strengthen its role in seeking a solution to the conflict, adding that this plan is not easy. Prabowo, who was about to embark on a foreign tour that includes Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar, said that "Indonesia's commitment to supporting Palestinian security and independence has prompted our government to take more active action."
Prabowo's announcement comes two months after the Indonesian Foreign Ministry said it "strongly rejects any attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians," while US President Donald Trump suggested permanently relocating Palestinians from Gaza.
Prabowo said last year, before he officially took office, that Indonesia was ready to send peacekeeping forces to Gaza if necessary.
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