The two-day meeting in Jakarta saw defense chiefs from nine of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation's 10-member states -- Myanmar was absent -- agree on a call for an end to hostilities and the release of two dozen Thai nationals working in Israel when violence erupted last month.
"[We call] for an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities and urge both parties to respect the sanctity of life and property," the statement said.
"The protection of all civilians, including ASEAN nationals, must be prioritized in times of conflict, and all hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally," it said.
The ministers expressed "deep concern over the deteriorating situation" in Hamas-controlled Gaza, which has been bombarded by Israeli forces after the militant group launched an attack that killed more than 1,400 people in the Jewish state -- the deadliest day in the country's 75-year history.
Nearly 40 Thais were killed in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, and scores more taken hostage.
Over 11,000 Palestinians have been killed in retaliatory Israeli strikes, according to the enclave's health ministry.
ASEAN defense chiefs said a humanitarian corridor should be established to deliver aid with peace talks to follow based on a "two-state solution."
"There is a pressing need for constructive dialogue to commence without delay, leading to a peaceful resolution that can ensure stability and prosperity in the region," the statement said." The meeting called upon the United Nations, especially the Security Council, to take a more active role in preventing further escalation of the conflict and averting a wider humanitarian disaster.
This week's talks included top defense officials from Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea and the U.S.
Earlier, Singapore's Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen said the war in Ukraine and deteriorating situation in Gaza made the meeting's theme of "peace, prosperity and security" even more relevant.
"None of us here predicted the attack in Ukraine or situation in the Middle East," Ng said. "Yet here we are, knowing that it could cause disruption all over the world. So I think ... the more important lesson for us is that peace can be stolen and lost very quickly ... if leaders of our nations did not pay attention."