KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 — Asean's Foreign Ministers have condemned Israeli attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Gaza, which have resulted in an alarming number of casualties since October 7 last year.
In a joint communique issued today after the two-day 57th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) held in Vientiane, Laos, they expressed grave concern over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, which has worsened following the attacks.
“We condemn all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, which have resulted in the alarming number of casualties, particularly women and children, restricted access to food, water, and other basic needs, leading to further deterioration of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” said the ministers.
Almost 10 months into the war, over 39,000 people, particularly women and children, have been killed, and approximately 90,000 others have been injured, according to the Palestinian health authorities.
The Foreign Ministers urged all relevant parties to accept the ceasefire proposal outlined in paragraph 2 of United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 2735.
“We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, especially 23 Asean nationals, women, children, the sick, and the elderly,” they said.
The Foreign Ministers also commended the efforts of various Asean member states in providing humanitarian assistance to Gaza and urged all Asean member states and external partners to continue providing and facilitating such assistance.
“We support the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East in executing its mandate and the UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza in discharging her task effectively and efficiently and in beginning work on post-conflict reconstruction,” they said.
The Foreign Ministers also called for rapid, safe, unimpeded, and sustained humanitarian access to all those in need through increased capacity at border crossings, including by sea.
“We urge all parties concerned to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict to realise the two-state solution in accordance with international law and the relevant UN Security Council and UN General Assembly resolutions," they said.
The Foreign Ministers also expressed great concern over the escalation of tension in the Middle East and called on all parties concerned to exercise self-restraint, avoid acts that may aggravate the situation, and resolve differences through diplomacy and dialogue in the interest of maintaining peace and stability in the region.
— Bernama
