The governments of Australia, New Zealand and Canada say they are “alarmed about the shrinking safe space for civilians in Gaza.”
Australia supports the establishment of a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, but Hamas must give up its weapons, the prime minister said in a joint statement with his counterparts from New Zealand and Canada.
“We are alarmed by the shrinking safe space for civilians in Gaza,” the statement released Wednesday said, as Israel’s bombardment of Hamas militants in the enclave continues.
“The price for defeating Hamas cannot be the continued suffering of all Palestinian citizens,” the leaders said.
Health authorities in Hamas-run Gaza say the death toll from the Israeli offensive has surpassed 18,000.
Anthony Albanese says civilians should not suffer in Israel’s bid to defeat Hamas
Anthony Albanese, New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also said a ceasefire “cannot be one-sided.”
“Hamas must release all hostages, stop using Palestinian civilians as human shields and lay down their weapons,” they said.
The three leaders condemned the unacceptable treatment of hostages by Hamas and called for the immediate and unconditional release of the prisoners.
The Australian and Canadian governments both consider Hamas a terrorist organization, while New Zealand authorities have designated the entity’s military wing as a terrorist group.
I’ve joined @AlboMP and @JustinTrudeau to share our thoughts on the tragic and ongoing loss of life in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) December 12, 2023
The joint statement condemned Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7 and the “heinous acts of violence committed in those attacks, including sexual violence,” after militants killed 1,200 people and took more than 200 hostages.
The three governments recognized Israel’s right to defend itself.
“In defending itself, Israel must respect international humanitarian law,” they added.
There was also “no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza,” the leaders said, opposing “the forced relocation of Palestinians from Gaza, the reoccupation of Gaza, any reduction of territory and any use of siege or blockade’ and supported a two-state solution.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong is expected to visit Israel and other Middle Eastern countries in January.
The 193-member United Nations General Assembly was expected to vote on Wednesday to demand an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the conflict, after the United States vetoed such a move in the Security Council.
