THE Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Friday strongly condemned the acts of violence that led to the deaths of civilians even as the regional bloc expressed grave concern over the escalation of armed conflict between Israel and Hamas.

In a statement, the foreign ministers of the 10-member regional bloc urged for the immediate end of violence to avoid further human casualties and called for the full respect of International Humanitarian Law.

“We strongly condemn the acts of violence which have led to the deaths and injury of civilians, including ASEAN nationals,” the statement said.

The ASEAN called on all parties to protect and ensure the safety and security of all civilians including ASEAN nationals as well as the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

The Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their “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 statement reads.

The statement added “we urge the international community to support the peace process in order to ensure long lasting peace and stability in the region.”

On Wednesday, the Philippines said it was saddened over the bombing of the Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza that led to the deaths of at least 500 civilians.

The Philippines said “we grieve for the hundreds of innocent lives lost in this tragic incident, non-combatants which include medical practitioners, children, the wounded and displaced individuals who only sought shelter at the facility.”

The statement urged all parties to do their utmost to protect civilians in times of war and armed conflict.

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Cristina Lee-Pisco