Gulf and Southeast Asian leaders have condemned attacks on civilians in the Gaza Strip and called for a permanent ceasefire, according to a statement published after a summit meeting.

According to the AFP, the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) also called for the release of some 200 hostages held by Hamas, as well as the restoration of basic services for Palestinians and the delivery of humanitarian aid, the statement said.

“We affirm our categorical rejection of targeting civilians in any way and under any pretext, and the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law and the necessity of stopping military operations against civilians and infrastructure that affect their daily lives,” Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said at the summit in Riyadh.

Leaders from the GCC and Asean bloc nations pose for a group photo. — Picture via <em>AlArabiya</em>
Leaders from the GCC and Asean bloc nations pose for a group photo. — Picture via AlArabiya

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