KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 (Xinhua) -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Thursday welcomed a ceasefire between Israel and Iran and urged the countries involved to avoid further escalation.

ASEAN has reaffirmed the obligations of the countries to protect civilians and civilian infrastructures in armed conflicts in line with international law and relevant United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions, the grouping said in a joint statement.

"We support ongoing efforts, including those led by the UN, aimed at de-escalating tensions and facilitating the resumption of constructive engagement among parties involved," the statement said.

"We urge all parties to respect the ceasefire and avoid further escalation of this conflict," it said.

The ceasefire between the two countries was declared earlier this week. Enditem