Beijing, China (CNN Philippines, October 21) — Chinese President Xi Jinping called for an immediate end to the violence between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas before the conflict goes “out of control” and lead to a full-blown humanitarian crisis.
Xi also said the “fundamental way out” of the hostilities is through the implementation of the two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.
\”The top priority is to cease fire and stop the war at an early date,\” the Chinese leader was quoted saying in state news agency Xinhua.
\”It is crucial to prevent the conflict from expanding or even losing control and causing a serious humanitarian crisis,\” he added.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) also released a joint statement on Friday expressing grave concern over the war in the Middle East.
\”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 said.
The regional bloc also condemned the killings of civilians without blaming a particular party.
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\”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,\” it added.
The ASEAN also called on parties to allow the creation of humanitarian corridors to allow the safe and unimpeded passage of ASEAN nationals fleeing from the conflict.
During the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing on Wednesday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made two humanitarian appeals to Israel and Hamas.
\”To Hamas, for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages. To Israel, to immediately allow unrestricted access of humanitarian aid to respond to the most basic needs of the people of Gaza – the overwhelming majority of whom are women and children,\” he said.
The UN chief also made a call for a humanitarian ceasefire.
