In a significant gathering at the European Parliament, the 3rd Inter-Regional EP-AIPA Dialogue Meeting took place on November 22, 2023. The meeting brought together esteemed delegates from the European Parliament (EP) and the member parliaments of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA). Dr. Fadli Zon, representing the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia, who is also Vice President of the League of Parliamentarians for al-Quds and Palestine, delivered a powerful statement addressing the current situation in Gaza.

Dr. Fadli Zon, accompanied by his colleague Putu Supadma Rudana, expressed sincere appreciation to the European Parliament for hosting the dialogue meeting, emphasizing the honor it bestowed upon participants. The statement highlighted the imperative of acknowledging and confronting the socio-economic, political, and security challenges that both regions face.

The statement strongly condemned the apartheid treatment, ethnic cleansing, and oppression faced by Palestinians. Dr. Fadli Zon denounced the recent Israeli airstrikes, which claimed the lives of over 14,000 innocent Palestinians in Gaza since October 7. He highlighted the indiscriminate attacks on refugee camps and hospitals, including the Indonesian Hospital, as well as the damage inflicted on mosques and churches, impeding people's right to worship. The delegate stressed the necessity of holding Israel accountable for its actions, urging the international community to pressure Israel to cease its aggression, establish a permanent ceasefire, and support an investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The statement emphasized that the atrocities committed by Israel should be recognized as crimes against humanity and grave human rights violations. Dr. Fadli Zon drew a parallel with genocidal crimes, stating that history should remember these acts as modern-day Nazism. He called for self-reflection and denounced any country providing arms or ammunition to Israel, as it would implicate them in the bloodshed.

Acknowledging the essential role of the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in promoting prosperity, stability, and security, Dr. Fadli Zon emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy. He called upon parliamentarians to prioritize these critical issues and serve as the voice of the voiceless, working towards the shared international agenda, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The statement concluded with an encouragement to strengthen the 45-year partnership between the EU and ASEAN, leveraging the platform of the dialogue meeting and the upcoming AIPA General Assembly. Dr. Fadli Zon expressed hope that the meeting would yield outcomes that contribute to a more prosperous and peaceful world.