November 21, 2023 – The Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (Fretilin) has proposed a resolution in the Timorese parliament advocating for an international ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The resolution emphasizes the need for humanitarian and political support to all victims of the conflict.

During a parliamentary session, Fretilin, the leading opposition party in East Timor, presented this resolution as a gesture of international solidarity. The party’s declaration underlines the urgency of a ceasefire in Gaza and calls for competent international organizations to provide necessary humanitarian and political assistance.

Fretilin has historically supported a two-state solution, recognizing both the State of Israel and the State of Palestine. Their proposal reflects this stance, seeking a resolution that ensures dignified recognition of all citizens and peoples involved.

The backdrop of this proposal is the ongoing conflict in Gaza. On October 7, Hamas, in control of the Gaza Strip since 2007 and classified as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, and Israel, launched an unprecedented attack on Israeli territory since the creation of the State of Israel in 1948. This attack resulted in 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, around 5,000 injuries, and about 240 hostages.

In response, Israel initiated a war to “eradicate” Hamas, starting with cuts to the supply of food, water, electricity, and fuel in the Gaza Strip, followed by daily bombings and a ground offensive that surrounded the city of Gaza.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas has so far led to over 13,300 deaths, mostly civilians, and more than 30,000 injuries in the Gaza Strip, according to the latest local authorities’ report. Additionally, the United Nations has reported 1.7 million displaced persons.