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Australia, New Zealand and Canada support a pause in fighting in Gaza and efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire, their leaders said in a joint statement released on Wednesday.
The statement, which quickly condemned Hamas’ October 7 attacks and recognised Israel’s right to defend itself, went on to ask that Israel respect humanitarian law in doing so.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a joint statement with NZ leader Christopher Luxon and Canadian PM Justin Trudeau.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
“The recent pause in hostilities allowed for the release of more than 100 hostages and supported an increase in humanitarian access to affected civilians,” it said.
“We want to see this pause resumed and support urgent international efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire. This cannot be one-sided. Hamas must release all hostages, stop using Palestinian civilians as human shields, and lay down its arms.”
The leaders, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, also recommitted to the push for a two-state solution but said there was no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza.
“We support Palestinians’ right to self-determination. We oppose the forcible displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, the re-occupation of Gaza, any reduction in territory, and any use of siege or blockade. We emphasise that Gaza must no longer be used as a platform for terrorism,” it said.
“We reaffirm that settlements are illegal under international law. Settlements and settler violence are serious obstacles to a negotiated two-state solution.
“We recommit ourselves to working with partners toward a just and enduring peace in the form of a two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live securely within internationally recognised borders.”
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