In a statement released today, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand ask for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
It’s the first time since the war started on October 7 that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
“We recognize Israel’s right to exist and defend itself. In defending itself, Israel must respect international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected. We are gravely concerned by the reduction of the security zone reserved for civilians in Gaza. The price of defeating Hamas cannot be the continued suffering of all Palestinian civilians.”
“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 emphasize that Gaza must no longer be used as a platform for terrorism. 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 “ the statement read.
According to Amnesty International Canada (French section), spokesperson and director France-Isabelle Langlois, “This position certainly represents “a step in the right direction”, but remains insufficient. It places Israel and Hamas against each other as if Hamas was an army. Hamas is not an army, and Israel’s response is completely disproportionate. It’s beyond measure.”
The New Democratic and the Bloc Quebecois, opposition parties also support an immediate ceasefire.
