ASEAN Urges Immediate Ceasefire in Israel-Hamas Conflict

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Friday issued a call for an immediate cessation of violence in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as the broader escalation of tensions in the Middle East.

According to a news release by Philippine News Agency, to a joint statement from the foreign ministers of the 10 ASEAN members, the organization strongly condemned acts of violence that have led to civilian casualties, including Filipino and Thai nationals, without attributing blame to any specific party. The ministers urged “for the immediate end of violence to avoid further human casualties and call for the full respect of International Humanitarian Law,” the statement read.

The organization also advocated for the creation of “safe, rapid, and unimpeded passage of humanitarian corridors.” In addition, ASEAN reaffirmed its support for a negotiated two-State solution in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions, identifying this as the only viable path to address the root causes of the conflict.

The ASEAN statement further called on the international community to support the peace process “to ensure long-lasting peace and stability in the region.” The conflict, which has been ongoing for two weeks since Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, has resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians, including children, medical personnel, and journalists.