ASEAN and Australia joint statement in support of the Gaza ceasefire

The leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Australia were in conflict in their recent meeting to reach an understanding on the Gaza war, and some countries had differences over preparing a joint statement.

Agence France-Presse reported that the draft joint statement of ASEAN and Australia showed that there was broad agreement on the request for an “imminent and sustainable humanitarian ceasefire”.

The latest draft of the statement, which AFP says it has seen, reads: “We condemn attacks against all civilians and civilian infrastructure that lead to a worsening of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including limited access to food, water and other Basic needs, we condemn.

But another draft of the joint statement, prepared earlier this week, hinted at deep differences behind closed doors.

Singapore, which has close relations with the Zionist regime, turned away from the proposal to condemn the use of “starvation” by this regime in the Gaza Strip.

Nevertheless, Al Jazeera reported that the joint statement was released, saying, “We reiterate our concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, which has intensified since the October 7 attack.”

This statement adds: We support UNRWA in carrying out its duties.

ASEAN countries and Australia also called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza in this statement.

Also, this joint statement states: We demand quick, safe and unhindered access to all needed items, including through increased capacities at border crossings.

Source: ISNA