ASEAN Chair’s Statement on the Ceasefire Agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza 21 January 2025

ASEAN Chair's Statement

on the Ceasefire Agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza

21 January 2025

1. We, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) welcome the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which came into force on 19 January 2025.

2. We commend the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the United States for the collaborative efforts in facilitating the mediation of this muchawaited agreement.

3. We call for the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire agreement from its initial phase to immediately end the violence, ensure the release of all hostages and detainees, some of whom are nationals of ASEAN Member States. The agreement represents a significant step to ending the conflict, including preventing further suffering and loss of lives. We hope it would also foster lasting peace and stability in the region, towards rebuilding the Palestinian society.

4. We urge all parties involved to maintain conducive conditions for the full and effective implementation of the agreement, to adhere strictly to the terms of the agreement and to work collectively towards a comprehensive and enduring resolution that upholds international law in accordance with the UN Charter and the relevant UNSC resolutions. We also call for a full, safe, rapid, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance for the Palestinians, including through the continuation of UNRWA's role and mandate, and for the immediate reconstruction in Gaza.

5. We urged all parties concerned to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict with a view to realising the two-State solution in accordance with international law and the relevant UNSC and UNGA resolutions, including UNGA resolution A/RES/ES-10/23 on the Admission of New Members to the UN dated 10 May 2024 which we all supported.

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