SEAToday.com, New York - Indonesia strongly condemns the Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon launched since Monday (23/9) which continued on Tuesday.

This was conveyed by Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, in New York, United States, Tuesday local time.

“We see this situation and we strongly condemn the Israeli attack on Lebanon which resulted in the loss of hundreds of civilian lives including children,” Retno said.

According to the Lebanese government's report, as of Tuesday the death toll reached 558 people, with more than a thousand injured.

This attack, according to Retno, adds to the tension amid the situation in the Middle East which is facing a humanitarian crisis.

“Especially because of the Israeli atrocities that continue to be committed against the Palestinians. And such violence as well as aggression must not become a new normal,” the Foreign Minister emphasized.

“And the UN Security Council and the international community must take firm steps to encourage de-escalation and stop the continuing violence,” she added.

This latest attack is also directly related to Indonesia, because Indonesia sends the most peacekeepers to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which is 1,232 people.

“And of course their safety is also a concern, not only from sending countries like Indonesia, but also from the UN,” Retno said.

Retno reiterated that the attack on Lebanon is a form of expansion of the main conflict, Israel's atrocities against Palestine.

Therefore, she continues to raise calls for a ceasefire and the provision of humanitarian assistance in conflict areas, especially Palestine.