Asean: Protect Gaza civilians, uphold international law, resume aid access
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean has called on all parties to protect civilians and adhere to international law and United Nations (UN) resolutions, following the ongoing war in Gaza.
In a joint statement issued after the 46th Asean Summit, the bloc expressed grave concern over the continued conflict in Gaza and the Middle East, as well as the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The bloc also condemned all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, which have resulted in a large number of casualties, particularly among innocent women and children.
"As such, we call on all parties to protect civilians and uphold international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law, as well as the Provisional Measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2024," the statement read.
Asean also commended the efforts of its member states in delivering humanitarian assistance and urged all members and external partners to continue facilitating such aid.
"We also affirmed our support for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) as outlined in the UN Resolutions and emphasised the need for full resumption of unimpeded, rapid, safe and sustained humanitarian access, including through expanded capacity at border crossings and by sea.
"Asean urged all concerned parties to pursue meaningful dialogue toward a comprehensive, just and lasting resolution based on the two-state solution, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions."
Earlier today, Asean pledged to heed calls from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations by supporting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and defending their just cause.
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