President Marcos Advocates for Dialogue to End Israel-Hamas Conflict at ASEAN-GCC Summit

Riyadh: Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called for dialogue and diplomacy as means to end the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Speaking at the first Association of Southeast Asian Nations – Gulf Cooperation Council (ASEAN-GCC) Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Marcos expressed the Philippines’ deep concern about the rising number of victims and the humanitarian fallout.

According to a news release by Philippine News Agency,”We hope that all parties will exert their utmost efforts to deescalate the situation, stop all violence, and engage in dialogue and diplomacy,” Marcos said. He also joined the leaders of ASEAN and the GCC in issuing a joint statement that urged a stop to hostilities, provision of humanitarian aid, release of hostages, and strengthening diplomatic efforts for lasting peace.

During the summit, ASEAN and GCC leaders collectively condemned all attacks against civilians and urged for a lasting ceasefire. They emphasized the importance of protecting civilians and adhering to international humanitarian law, specifically the Geneva Convention. The joint statement also called for effective and efficient access to humanitarian aid and other basic necessities.

Both regional groups stressed the immediate and unconditional release of civilian hostages, especially women, children, the sick, and the elderly. They further urged all parties involved to work towards a peaceful resolution based on the pre-1967 borders, in line with international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions.

In addition, ASEAN and GCC expressed support for the peace initiatives by Saudi Arabia, the European Union, and the League of Arab States, in cooperation with Egypt and Jordan, to resolve the Israel-Hamas conflict and broader issues in the Middle East.

The ASEAN-GCC Summit formally commenced on Friday afternoon (Philippine time) in the Saudi capital of Riyadh.