RIYADH: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) hold a joint summit in Riyadh on Friday. After releasing a joint statement they expressed shared concerns over the escalating situation in the Middle East region, particularly in the Gaza Strip.
The leaders of participating countries in the summit hold brief discussions on various agendas and reached a consensus on key points for addressing the Middle East crisis.
The leaders extended unconditional support for the initiative led by Saudi Arabia in collaboration with the European Union and the League of Arab States to bring peace to the region.
This Saudi led initiative, in cooperation with Egypt and Jordan, has the Middle East peace process on the topmost agenda and also aims to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian dispute under the provisions of international law and all United Nations resolutions pertaining to the conflict.
All the leaders unanimously condemned attacks against innocent civilians, especially women and children and extended support for an immediate and long-lasting ceasefire.
Moreover, they underscored the importance of the role of the parties involved in peace procss and how they can facilitatie for efficient access to humanitarian aid, relief supplies, and essential services in conflict zones. Furthermore the joint the statement asked for the resumption of supplies of critical infrastructure, including electricity and water, and the delivery of fuel, food, and medicine throughout Gaza.
A collective call was made on all warring parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and to strictly adhere to international humanitarian law for the protection of their human rights. The principles and provisions of the Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 12 August 1949 were highlighted in the contents of the joint statement.
They discussed the importance of the urgent and unconditional release of civilian hostages and detainees, with a priority focus on vulnerable groups such as women, children, the sick, and the elderly.
In the context of efforts for a peaceful resolution of the conflict, the joint statement called upon all concerned parties to work toward achieving the two-state solution based on the pre-1967 borders, in accordance with international law and relevant UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.
Moreover, the joint statement released by the GCC and ASEAN leaders displayed their commitment to promote peace, stability, and adherence to international norms in addressing the critical developments in the Middle East, especially in Gaza.