Asean calls for ‘immediate ceasefire’ as Malaysia warns time running out for Gaza

Australia and Asean have called for ‘an immediate and durable humanitarian ceasefire’ to Israel’s assault in Gaza, where more than 30,000 people have been killed

The statement comes as Malaysia increased its efforts in ‘seeking justice’ for Palestinians via diplomatic and legal campaigns at various international platforms

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Palestinians carry bags of flour from an aid truck near an Israeli checkpoint on February 19. Photo: Reuters

Published: 10:23pm, 6 Mar 2024Updated: 10:31pm, 6 Mar 2024

Australia and Southeast Asian nations on Wednesday called for a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, as Muslim-majority Malaysia delivered a sharp rebuke to the international community for a continued failure to end Israel’s five-month bombardment and get urgent aid to the besieged Palestinian population.

Leaders from Australia and the 10-member Asean bloc who gathered in Melbourne for a summit had struggled to find common ground on the escalating crisis in the Middle East, news agencies reported, with nations split over whether the statement should call for a total ceasefire or a temporary “humanitarian” pause.

But a breakthrough emerged on Wednesday at the end of the three-day meeting, with a joint statement calling for “an immediate and durable humanitarian ceasefire” to Israel’s assault in Gaza, where more than 30,000 people – mostly civilians – have been killed, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.

Israel launched its offensive in response to the Hamas-led raid on its territory on October 7, which killed about 1,160 people and took scores hostage into Gaza.

Southeast Asia is home to 40 per cent of the world’s Muslim population. Indonesia and Malaysia staunchly support the Palestinian cause, and their leaders have issued stern diplomatic condemnations of Israel, while citizens have launched consumer boycott campaigns against companies perceived to have Israeli links.

But Israel also has allies in the region, with Singapore in particular reported by the AFP news agency to have balked at suggestions to condemn “the use of starvation” in the Gaza Strip, language likely to infuriate Israel.