ASEAN calls for immediate end of violence in Israel-Hamas crisis

MANILA – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Friday called for the immediate end of violence in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and escalation of tensions in the Middle East.

Without assigning blame to any party, the foreign ministers of the 10 ASEAN members, in a joint statement, strongly condemned the acts of violence in the region which have led to the deaths and injury of civilians, including Filipino and Thai nationals.

“We urge for the immediate end of violence to avoid further human casualties and call for the full respect of International Humanitarian Law,” the statement read.

“We call on all parties to create safe, rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian corridors."

ASEAN reaffirmed support for a negotiated two-State solution that allows both Israelis and Palestinians to “live side-by-side in peace and security consistent with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions”.

It noted that this would be the only viable path to resolving the root cause of the conflict.

“We urge the international community to support the peace process in order to ensure long-lasting peace and stability in the region,” it added.

The conflict had been raging for two weeks since the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched its deadliest attack on Israel on Oct. 7, prompting the latter to respond with retaliatory strikes.

Thousands of civilians, including children, medical personnel and journalists have been killed in the escalating crisis. (PNA)