VIENTIANE — Indonesia has called on East Asian nations to officially recognize the state of Palestine and urged the international community to uphold international law and principles of humanity, state-run media reported Friday.

Speaking at the East Asia Summit in Laos, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin warned that failure to adhere to international law could lead to the emergence of new conflicts.

“As leaders, we must take a stance and side with international law and humanity. Do not be selective in implementing international law. If this continues, I am afraid that many new conflicts will emerge,” Amin said, as reported by Antara News.

Amin also urged countries that have yet to recognize Palestine to do so immediately, stressing the importance of universal respect for international law without exceptions.

Currently, 146 countries recognize the state of Palestine, with recent additions including Spain, Norway, Ireland, and several Caribbean nations.

His remarks come amidst ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza, following a cross-border attack by Hamas last year. Despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire, the conflict has claimed the lives of over 42,000 people, mostly women and children, according to local health authorities. — Agencies