Breaking Point: Israel at War – Day 720, A Defining UN Moment for Peace

The war in Israel has now reached 720 days, marking almost two years of violence, uncertainty, and humanitarian crisis. The conflict continues to dominate international headlines, with world leaders struggling to find common ground. On September 23, 2025, the United Nations General Assembly witnessed a remarkable address from Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto, offering a rare perspective on peace in the Middle East.

Indonesia’s Surprising Message at the UN

Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim-majority country and has never formally recognized Israel. Historically, the nation has stood firmly in support of the Palestinian cause. Yet, during his UN speech, President Subianto emphasized that for peace to be possible, Israel’s security must also be guaranteed.

This was a significant statement because it came from a country that has traditionally avoided direct engagement with Israel. Subianto ended his speech by calling for peace in the region and urging both sides to seek recognition and coexistence.

Indonesia’s Proposal for Peace

Going beyond symbolism, President Subianto declared that if Israel recognizes Palestine as an independent state, Indonesia would be ready to recognize Israel. Such a statement could be a turning point in global diplomacy.

He also pledged Indonesia’s readiness to send 20,000 troops under UN authority to stabilize Gaza and help enforce peace. This offer was extended to other regions as well, including Ukraine, Sudan, and Libya. The message was clear: Indonesia was not only speaking about peace but was prepared to act on it.

Regional and International Reactions

The speech came at a crucial moment. The Israel-Hamas war continues with heavy casualties and destruction, while the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens daily. Subianto’s message stands out because it balances recognition for both Israel and Palestine—something many leaders have struggled to articulate.

In recent weeks, several Arab countries have condemned Israel’s leadership, accusing it of fueling the conflict. However, Indonesia’s approach of linking recognition with coexistence offers a more constructive path forward. If implemented, this could inspire other nations without formal ties to Israel to reconsider their positions.

The Significance of Day 720

Two years of war have left deep scars across the Middle East. Thousands of families remain displaced, cities are destroyed, and mistrust between communities has only grown. Every additional day of fighting deepens the humanitarian crisis.

Subianto’s address introduced a rare sense of hope. His words highlighted the importance of mutual respect, recognition, and collective action. By offering military support through UN peacekeeping missions, Indonesia showed that it is willing to back its words with meaningful commitments.

A Potential Turning Point

While challenges remain immense, the speech at the UN offered a glimpse of what a balanced peace process could look like. Israel seeks security, and Palestine demands recognition. For decades, these goals have been at odds, but Indonesia’s approach tries to bridge the divide by acknowledging both.

If other nations and international bodies respond positively, Day 720 may be remembered not only for the war’s continuation but also for a potential step toward peace.

Conclusion

The Israel war has now lasted 720 days, and the suffering shows no sign of ending soon. Yet, amid the violence, President Prabowo Subianto’s words at the United Nations introduced a rare sense of optimism. His call for recognition, security, and active peacekeeping may not resolve the conflict overnight, but it highlights a path worth considering.

As the world watches, the coming months will determine whether these proposals remain words in a speech or evolve into real actions capable of changing the course of history.