Broad humanitarian aid for Gaza is urged by the ASEAN-Japan summit

 Broad humanitarian aid for Gaza is urged by the ASEAN-Japan summit.

                                                        Source en.antaranews.com

Jakarta (ANTARA) - At a meeting presided over by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), ASEAN and Japanese officials urged the greatest possible access to humanitarian aid for Gaza inhabitants impacted by the Israel-Hamas conflict.

From December 16 to 18, 2023, the leaders will be in Tokyo for the Commemorative Summit of the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.

Following the summit on Sunday, Jokowi and Kishida jointly addressed the media and expressed their support for the early initiation of the peace process in Gaza.

He stressed the growth of ASEAN centrality, inclusive cooperation, and respect for international law as means by which Japan and ASEAN are committed to regional peace and stability.

"ASEAN leaders also conveyed appreciation for Japan's full support for the implementation and prioritization of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and welcomed the trilateral summit mechanism involving Japan, China, and South Korea as a form of dialogue habit," he said.

Kishida, however, emphasized Japan's backing of ASEAN, particularly in times of regional strife and division.

"Based on strong mutual trust, we will overcome new challenges and contribute to regional peace and stability, thereby creating a world where everyone can enjoy prosperity, and their human dignity is protected," he stated.

During a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the beginning of December, Kishida emphasized the necessity of defusing the situation in Gaza and acting in compliance with international humanitarian law.

Additionally, he emphasized the necessity to prevent a rise in civilian deaths, the Japanese Foreign Affairs Ministry said.

He reiterated Tokyo's support for the two-state solution and the need for Israel and Palestine to coexist peacefully.

The militant organization Hamas stormed the Gaza Strip on October 7, and Israel responded by bombarding the area.

israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 18,800 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children, and the injuries of 51,000 more.

1,200 people have died in Israel, and over 130 captives are currently being held captive in Gaza by Hamas.

Source en.antaranews.com