On Thursday, the leaders of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand issued a joint statement. They called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza in response to reports of Israel’s planned military operation in Rafah.
“We are gravely concerned by indications that Israel is planning a ground offensive into Rafah. A military operation into Rafah would be catastrophic,” the statement by the prime ministers of the three countries said.
“An immediate humanitarian ceasefire is urgently needed.”
On Thursday, the leaders of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand issued a joint statement, urging an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. This call was prompted by reports of Israel’s planned military operation in Rafah.
The statement urged Israel not to launch the offensive. However, it emphasized that any ceasefire must not be “one-sided,” and Hamas must disarm while promptly releasing all remaining hostages.
The leaders further emphasized that the International Court of Justice’s January ruling in a genocide case brought by South Africa obligates Israel. This includes ensuring the protection of civilians and providing basic services and humanitarian aid.
“The protection of civilians is paramount and a requirement under international humanitarian law,” the statement went on to say. “Palestinian civilians cannot be made to pay the price of defeating Hamas.”
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