KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 — Asean member states have expressed grave concern over the continued war in Gaza and the Middle East, according to the Chairman’s Statement issued yesterday following the conclusion of the 46th Asean Summit.
Highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, the leaders of the regional bloc strongly condemned all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, which have resulted in immense number of casualties, particularly innocent women and children.
“We called on all parties to protect civilians and adhere to international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law as well as the Provisional Orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2024.
“We commended the efforts of Asean member states in delivering humanitarian assistance and called on all Asean members and external partners to continue facilitating such aid,” said the statement.
They also affirmed their support for the United Nations (UN) Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (Unrwa) and emphasised the need for full resumption of unimpeded, rapid, safe, and sustained humanitarian access, including through expanded capacity at border crossings and by sea.
Asean also urged all concerned parties to pursue meaningful dialogue towards a comprehensive, just and lasting resolution based on the two-state solution, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions.
The 46th Asean Summit was held under Malaysia’s 2025 Chairmanship on May 26 and 27 with the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’.
— Bernama
