Asean calls for end to Israel-Hamas war

THE Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is calling for an immediate end to the fighting between Israeli forces and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Asean ministers expressed grave concern over the escalation of the conflict that has inflicted heavy casualties on both sides.

«We urge for the immediate end of violence to avoid further human casualties and call for the full respect of International Humanitarian Law. We call on all parties to create safe, rapid, and unimpeded passage of humanitarian corridors,» the ministers said.

«We strongly condemn the acts of violence, which have led to the deaths and injury of civilians, including Asean nationals. We reaffirm our 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. This will be the only viable path to resolving the root cause of the conflict,» the ministers added.

They call on all parties to protect and ensure the safety and security of civilians and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

The ministers said they remain committed to providing emergency assistance to Asean nationals, in accordance with the Asean Declaration on the Guidelines on Consular Assistance by Asean Member States' Missions in Third Countries to Nationals of Other Asean Member States and the Guidelines for the Provision of Emergency Assistance by Asean Missions in Third Countries to Nationals of Asean Member Countries in Crisis Situations.