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Indonesia cancels visas for Israelis following Gaza massacre

May 23, 2018 at 1:51 pm

Protesters show posters reading “Let Trump get englightment and Al-quds is Palestine capital” in the demonstration to support Palestine at National Monument in Jakarta, Indonesia on 17 December, 2017 [Nani Afrida/Anadolu Agency]

Indonesia has cancelled visas issued to Israeli citizens and banned Israelis entering the country in response to the massacre in Gaza last week, spokesman for Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Emmanuel Nahshon said.

According to Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, the ban came into effect last week. Indonesia has also strongly condemned Israel’s brutal actions against Palestinians during recent border protests held to mark 70 years since the Nakba, when nearly one million Palestinians were forced out of their homes to make way for the creation of the state pf Israel.

Nahshon said in press statements that Israel is currently trying to reverse Indonesia’s decision.

READ: Indonesia reaffirms support for Palestinian statehood

Israel has no formal diplomatic relations with Indonesia, but the two countries maintain economic ties, so Israelis can visit the Asian country using temporary tourist and business visas.

The Israeli occupation army killed 65 Palestinians on 14 May and injured 3,244 while they were protesting peacefully near Gaza’s border fence.