SINGAPORE: The Affiliation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Friday (Oct 20) known as for the “rapid finish” to the violence within the Center East as the Israel-Hamas conflict rages on.
In an announcement, the ASEAN international ministers mentioned they had been “gravely involved” over the current escalation of armed conflicts within the Center East.
“We urge for the rapid finish of violence to keep away from additional human casualties and name for the complete respect of worldwide humanitarian regulation,” the bloc added.
“We name on all events to create protected, fast and unimpeded passage of humanitarian corridors.”
Militant group Hamas launched raids into Israel on Oct 7, killing about 1,400 individuals – most of them civilians – and taking round 200 hostages.
In response, Israel has laid siege to Gaza, finishing up waves of strikes on the Palestinian enclave, implementing a blockade and massing troops on its border ahead of an expected ground assault.
ASEAN mentioned in its assertion: “We strongly condemn the acts of violence which have led to the deaths and damage of civilians, together with ASEAN nationals.”
It additionally reaffirmed its assist for a negotiated two-state answer that may enable each Israelis and Palestinians to stay facet by facet in peace and safety “per related United Nations Safety Council resolutions”.
“This would be the solely viable path to resolving the basis explanation for the battle.”
ASEAN additionally known as on all events to guard and make sure the security and safety of all civilians, in addition to the discharge of all hostages.
It additionally re-emphasised its dedication to supply emergency help to ASEAN nationals, in accordance with the bloc’s pointers.
“We urge the worldwide neighborhood to assist the peace course of with a purpose to guarantee lengthy lasting peace and stability within the area,” mentioned the assertion.