Asean, GCC leaders urge end to Israel-Hamas war

Smoke rises following Israeli airstrikes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip on Thursday, October 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Hatem Ali)

RIYADH—Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) jointly called on Friday for an end to the Israel-Hamas war as they expressed “grave concern” over the escalating violence.

In a statement at the conclusion of their first summit, the leaders of both groups, consisting of 17 nations, called on opposing parties to agree on a ceasefire, provide humanitarian aid, release hostages and start talks for enduring peace in the region.

The Asean and the GCC also expressed support for the initiatives of Saudi Arabia, European Union and the Arab League to revive the Middle East peace process in cooperation with Egypt and Jordan.

The Asean bloc consists of the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Timor Leste was also present at the summit as candidate state.

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The GCC consists of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, a confederation of six independent monarchies.

Separately, the foreign ministers of the 11 Asean nations also issued a statement jointly supporting a two-state solution that will allow both Israel and Palestine to co-exist in peace and security.

Safe passage

“We urge for the immediate end of violence to avoid further human casualties and call for the full respect of International Humanitarian Law. We call on all parties to create safe, rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian corridors,” the Asean foreign ministers’ statement read.

“We strongly condemn the acts of violence, which have led to the deaths and injury of civilians, including Asean nationals. We reaffirm our support for a negotiated two-state solution that allows both Israelis and Palestinians to live side-by-side in peace and security consistent with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. This will be the only viable path to resolving the root cause of the conflict.”

They also called for the protection, safety and security of all civilians, including Asean nationals, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and provision of emergency assistance to Asean nationals.

“We urge the international community to support the peace process to ensure long lasting peace and stability in the region,” the statement said.