Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 20) — The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, of which the Philippines is a member, on Friday called for an immediate end to the escalating violence in the Middle East that has killed thousands of civilians, including ASEAN nationals, and for the creation of rapid and unimpeded humanitarian corridors.
The statement issued by foreign ministers of the 10-member bloc also urged “all parties to protect and ensure safety and security to all civilians, including ASEAN nationals, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.It called on the international community to step in to pursue a peace process between Israel and Palestine as it condemned the acts of violence which have led to the deaths and injury of civilians, including from Southeast Asia.Supporting the peace process would ensure long-lasting peace and stability in the region, the statement added.ASEAN member states include Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.Recent reports showed that the death toll from the war between Israel and the militant group Hamas has already exceeded 3,000. The tension has been ongoing for almost two weeks now.“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,” the group added.We urge for the immediate end of violence to avoid further human casualties and call for the full respect of International Humanitarian Law,” the statement said. “We call on all parties to create safe, rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian corridors.Last week, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Israel has the support of the Philippine government amid “terrorist attacks” launched by Hamas. Local authorities confirmed on Thursday that four Filipinos have been killed due to the conflict.
READ: Marcos: PH stands with Israel in war vs. Hamas
