The prime ministers of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand have urgently called for a ceasefire in Gaza, urging Israel to heed international concerns. In a strongly worded joint statement released on Friday, the leaders expressed grave concerns about potential further escalation in the region, including tensions between Hezbollah and Israel.
Australia
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the dire need for a ceasefire in Gaza to prevent further civilian casualties. “The prospect of further escalation across the region is deeply concerning, and we must act to protect civilians in Lebanon and Israel,” Albanese stated. The statement also called on Israel to address the international court of justice’s ruling that the continued occupation of territory seized in 1967 is illegal.
Canada
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau highlighted the catastrophic human suffering in Gaza and the necessity of an immediate ceasefire. “Further hostilities will only put tens of thousands of civilians at risk and exacerbate the already dire situation,” Trudeau said. The statement condemned Hamas for its atrocities and called on the group to disarm and release all hostages.
New Zealand
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon echoed the call for restraint and de-escalation from all involved actors. “The escalation of conflict across Israel’s northern border with Lebanon would have disastrous consequences,” Luxon noted. The statement urged Israel to respond substantively to the ICJ’s advisory opinion and work towards a two-state solution, ensuring accountability for violence against Palestinians and reversing settlement expansions in the West Bank.
International Concerns
The joint statement reflects shared concerns among the three nations regarding the toll of the war in Gaza and the risk of wider conflict in the Middle East. All three countries are members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, alongside the US and the UK. This is the third joint statement by the prime ministers of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand regarding Middle Eastern developments, underscoring their commitment to a peaceful resolution.
Zionist Federation of Australia’s Response
Jeremy Leibler, president of the Zionist Federation of Australia, criticized the statement, arguing that pressuring Israel to unilaterally end the war would embolden Hamas and prolong the conflict. The prime ministers reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution, describing it as the only realistic path to a just and enduring peace.
