'Civilians must be protected,' Australia, Canada, New Zealand call for urgent ceasefire in war-torn Gaza
Australia, Canada and New Zealand stressed the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza in a joint statement on Friday.
Canberra: Australia, Canada and New Zealand stressed the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza in a joint statement on Friday, calling the situation there “catastrophic”. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon issued a joint statement calling for an immediate ceasefire.
“The situation in Gaza is appalling. Human suffering is unacceptable. It can't run. We remain unequivocal in condemning Hamas for the atrocities of October 7 and for its ongoing terrorist activities. Hamas must lay down its arms and release all hostages. “We see no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza,” the statement said.
He further stressed that the protection of civilians is paramount and required by international humanitarian law. Stressing that Israel must listen to the concerns of the international community, the leader said, “The Palestinian people cannot pay the price of defeating Hamas.” It must end. There is an urgent need for an immediate ceasefire. Civilians must be protected and aid flows must be continuously increased throughout Gaza to address the humanitarian situation.
Joint Statement Prime Minister @AlboMP @JustinTrudeau @chrisluxonmp Joint statement by Prime Ministers of Australia, Canada and New Zealand: https://t.co/gJsfHnH1Ve pic.twitter.com/0g19SR8QjK
— Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (@pmc_gov_au) 26 July 2024
Recalling US President Joe Biden's comprehensive cease-fire agreement, the leaders expressed their support for the deal.” We are committed to working on an irreversible path to achieving a two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live safely within internationally recognized borders. This is the only realistic option to achieve a just and sustainable peace,” he said.
They further committed to work towards an irreversible path to achieving a two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live safely within internationally recognized borders. “We call on Israel to respond substantively to the ICJ's advisory opinion, and to work both ways to ensure accountability for the ongoing violence against the Palestinian people by extremist settlements, to reverse the record expansion of settlements in the West Bank, which is illegal under international law, and on both sides. -State measures,” reads the statement.
Expressing concern over the possibility of further escalation across the region, the leaders said, “We condemn Iran's attack on Israel on April 13-14, call on Iran to refrain from further destabilizing activities in the Middle East, and demand that Iran and its affiliates refrain from actions. Groups including Hizballah halt their attacks. We condemn the ongoing reckless actions of the Houthis, including their indiscriminate drone strikes in Tel Aviv and ongoing attacks on international shipping.”
“This escalation of hostilities only makes a ceasefire in Gaza more urgent. We urge all involved actors to exercise patience and de-escalate. We support diplomatic efforts to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701. A full-scale war would have devastating consequences for Israel and Lebanon and its citizens throughout the region,” the statement said.
