Australia, New Zealand, and Canada have issued a joint statement calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. They have urged Israel to respond to a recent United Nations court ruling that deemed its occupation of Palestinian territories and settlements illegal.
International Concerns
The leaders emphasized the need for Israel to heed the concerns of the international community. “Israel must listen to the concerns of the international community,” the statement read. They stressed that the protection of civilians is paramount under international humanitarian law, asserting that Palestinian civilians should not bear the cost of efforts to defeat Hamas.
Accountability and Two-State Solution
The joint statement also highlighted the need for Israel to hold extremist settlers accountable for ongoing violence against Palestinians. The leaders called for Israel to reverse its settlement program in the West Bank and work towards a two-state solution.
Israel’s embassy in Australia condemned acts of violence against Palestinian communities on Thursday, reinforcing its stance against violence.
ICJ Ruling on Occupation
The statement follows a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) last week, which declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and its settlements illegal, urging withdrawal. The leaders called on Israel to “respond substantively” to the ICJ’s findings.
Israel’s foreign ministry rejected the ICJ opinion, labeling it as “fundamentally wrong” and one-sided. The ministry reiterated its position that a political settlement in the region can only be achieved through negotiations.
Historical Context
Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war. These areas, part of historic Palestine, are desired by Palestinians for a future state. Israeli leaders argue that these territories are not legally occupied, considering them disputed lands. However, the United Nations and most of the international community regard them as occupied territory.
Urgency for Ceasefire
The joint statement, the second since February, expressed concern over escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah. The leaders highlighted the risk of a wider regional conflict, making a ceasefire in Gaza even more urgent.
The call for a ceasefire coincides with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’s pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a Gaza ceasefire deal, aiming to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians. Harris’s stance marks a tougher tone compared to President Joe Biden.
With Inputs from Reuters
