Asean, GCC, China call for ceasefire and two-state solution in Gaza
By Iylia Marsya Iskandar, Qistina Sallehuddin
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and China leaders called for a durable ceasefire in the Middle East and Gaza.
In a joint statement after the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, it said all parties should be given the most effective and efficient access for humanitarian aid, relief supplies, as well as basic necessities and essential services.
This includes the restoration of electricity and water, and allowing the delivery of fuel, food and medicine throughout Gaza.
"(We) call on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians, refrain from targeting them and to abide by international humanitarian law, particularly the principles and provisions of the Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 12 August 1949."
They also called for an end as soon as possible to the unlawful presence of Israel in the occupied Palestinian territory by acknowledging the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on July 19, 2024.
They expressed their support for the ongoing efforts to release all hostages and those under arbitrary detention.
"(We) urge all parties concerned to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict, with a view to realising the two-state solution based on the pre-1967 borders, in accordance with international law and the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and UN General Assembly resolutions, including UNGA resolution A/RES/ES-10/23 on the Admission of New Members to the UN dated May 10, 2024."
The blocs would also support efforts of the global alliance for the implementation of the two-state solution, and note the initiatives of Saudi Arabia in cooperation with the kingdom Norway and the European Union towards realising an independent Palestinian state.
They also recognised Qatar's mediation efforts in reaching a ceasefire and facilitating aid delivery, as well as China's contributions to Palestinian internal reconciliation, particularly its role in facilitating the signing of the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity by Palestinian factions in July 2024 in Beijing.
The leaders also welcomed the resolution of UNGA adopted on Dec 11, 2024, in which the General Assembly called for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
They called upon all parties to enable the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to fulfil its mandate, as adopted by the General Assembly, across all areas of operation, with full respect for humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence.
"With firm resolve, we pledged to advance the spirit of inclusivity, sustainability, resilience and equal partnership, charting a united and collective path towards a peaceful, prosperous and equitable future," they said.
The inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit concluded yesterday.
It was alongside the 46th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
Source : asean-gcc-china-call-ceasefire-and-two-state-solution-gaza
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