Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has joined with his counterparts from Canada and New Zealand to urge Israel to implement an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Source: Sydney Morning Herald.
The three leaders said they remain committed to a two-state solution as the “only realistic solution” to a lasting peace in the region.
As international frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to grow, the leaders implored him to allow extra aid into the area, where about 1.5 million Palestinians are sheltering.
“The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue,” Mr Albanese said in a joint statement with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxton and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released on Friday night.
“We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of Hamas for the atrocities of October 7 and ongoing acts of terror. Hamas must lay down its arms and release all hostages. We see no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza.
“An immediate ceasefire is needed desperately. Civilians must be protected, and a sustained increase in the flow of assistance throughout Gaza is needed to address the humanitarian situation.
“We fully stand behind the comprehensive ceasefire deal, outlined by President Biden and endorsed by the UN Security Council. We call on parties to the conflict to agree to the deal. Any delay will only see more lives lost.
“We are committed to working towards an irreversible path to achieving a two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live securely within internationally recognised borders. This is the only realistic option to achieve a just and enduring peace.”
It is the third time the three leaders have come together to urge Israel to halt its operations in Gaza.
Mr Netanyahu last week addressed a joint-sitting of the US Congress where he portrayed the war as a “clash between barbarism and civilisation”, labelled anti-Israel protesters as “Iran’s useful idiots” and called on the US to fast-track military weapons so his defence force could “finish the job faster”.
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Australia, Canada and NZ call for an immediate ceasefire to end catastrophic human suffering in Gaza (By Stephanie Peatling, Sydney Morning Herald)
