Kuala Lumpur – SABA:
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged territory.
In a joint statement issued Friday during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Kuala Lumpur, the bloc expressed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and condemned Israeli attacks on civilians and infrastructure, which have resulted in large numbers of casualties — particularly among women and children.
According to Malaysia’s Bernama news agency, ASEAN also denounced the ongoing restrictions on humanitarian aid and relief supplies, warning that such measures have further exacerbated the suffering of Palestinians.
The bloc praised the efforts of ASEAN member states to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza and urged all members and external partners to continue supporting the Palestinian people.
The statement reaffirmed ASEAN’s support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and stressed the need for rapid, safe, and unimpeded access to aid for all those in need in Gaza.
The ministers also called for the protection of civilians and adherence to international humanitarian and human rights law, reiterating their firm support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination.
They emphasized the urgent need to end the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
Background:
ASEAN is a political and economic bloc established in 1967, comprising ten Southeast Asian nations: Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Brunei.
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