ASEAN countries and Australia call for lasting ceasefire in Gaza

As ASEAN leaders meet in Melbourne, the Gaza Strip is the subject of fierce debate.

Melbourne:

Southeast Asian and Australian leaders on Wednesday called for a quick and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, describing the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory as “grave”.

“We urge an immediate and lasting humanitarian ceasefire,” leaders of 11 countries, including Muslim-majority Indonesia and Malaysia, said after days of diplomatic wrangling over the text.

The deteriorating situation in Gaza has become the subject of fierce debate as leaders of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations meet in Melbourne for a three-day summit with their Australian counterparts.

As the Muslim holy month of Ramadan approaches, the United States and a growing number of countries have been stepping up efforts to secure some form of pause in the fighting.

“We condemn attacks against all civilians and civilian infrastructure, which further worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including by restricting access to food, water and other basic needs,” ASEAN and Australia said.

“We call for rapid, safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian assistance to all in need, including through increased capacity at border crossings, including by sea.”

The organization also supports the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, despite Australia suspending funding to the organization over allegations that some staff are members of armed Islamist groups.

Singapore rejected the statement’s suggestion that it condemn the “use of starvation” in Gaza, language that would anger Israel.

Diplomats also debated whether the statement should call for a comprehensive ceasefire, or a more temporary “humanitarian” pause.

Southeast Asia is home to about 40% of the world’s Muslim population, and ASEAN heavyweights Indonesia and Malaysia are staunch supporters of the Palestinian cause.

But other influential ASEAN countries, such as Singapore, have closer ties with Israel and are less eager to stir up controversy.

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