Several countries have called for a ceasefire in Gaza

Canada, Australia and New Zealand have called on Israel and Hamas for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This was stated on Friday, July 26, in a joint statement by the foreign ministries of the three countries.

Their representatives said that “the situation in Gaza is catastrophic, the human suffering is unacceptable and it cannot continue.”

The statement emphasized that countries continue to condemn Hamas for the atrocities of October 7, 2023 and continued acts of terrorism. It is implied that Hamas must lay down its weapons, release all hostages, and also relinquish control of Gaza in the future.

In turn, the statement said, Israel must listen to the concerns of the international community. In particular, Canada, Australia and New Zealand emphasized that “the protection of civilians is paramount and a requirement of international humanitarian law.”

“The Palestinian people cannot be forced to pay the price of defeating Hamas. It must stop. An immediate ceasefire is essential,” the joint statement said.

All three countries noted that they are “committed to working towards an irreversible path towards achieving a two-state solution in which Israelis and Palestinians can live in security within internationally recognized borders. ” And this, in their opinion, is the only realistic option to achieve a just and lasting peace.

Netanyahu had earlier said that an agreement with Hamas on a temporary ceasefire and the release of hostages was “ripening.”