VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOINews, Jakarta - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has called for an immediate end to the Israel-Palestine violence to prevent further human casualties and asked for full respect of international humanitarian law during the conflict.

In a joint statement issued by ASEAN foreign ministers on Friday, the bloc expressed its concern over the recent escalation of armed conflict in the Middle East.

ASEAN member states comprise Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The bloc "strongly condemns the acts of violence which have led to the deaths and injury of civilians, including ASEAN nationals," and has called upon all parties to create safe, rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian corridors.

"ASEAN reaffirms 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 the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions," the statement said.

"This will be the only viable path to resolving the root cause of the conflict," it added.

The bloc further urged all parties to protect and ensure the safety and security of all civilians, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

ASEAN also asked the international community to support the peace process in order to ensure long-lasting peace and stability in the region.

In the over 10 days that Israel has bombed Palestinian territories, nearly 3 thousand people, including 750 children, have been killed.

Israeli strikes have targeted buildings in the densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip following Hamas' surprise attack on Israel on Oct 7.

The humanitarian crisis has worsened following Israel's decision to cut off water, electricity, and other supplies to Gaza, leaving two million people experiencing shortages of basic necessities.

After targeting a hospital in Gaza on Tuesday, Israel on Thursday attacked the Saint Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza, where around 500 Palestinian Muslims and Christians were seeking shelter. (Antaranews)