In response to reports of Israel’s planned military operation in Rafah, the leaders of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand issued a joint statement on Thursday, urging for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. Expressing grave concern over indications of Israel’s potential ground offensive into Rafah, the prime ministers emphasized the catastrophic consequences such an operation could entail.
“We are gravely concerned by indications that Israel is planning a ground offensive into Rafah. A military operation into Rafah would be catastrophic,” the statement by the prime ministers of the three countries said. “An immediate humanitarian ceasefire is urgently needed.”
Despite Israel’s announcement of an impending offensive against Hamas in Rafah, with provisions made for civilian evacuation from the area, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted Israel’s commitment to proceed with the operation. However, the statement from the trio of leaders urged Israel to reconsider conducting the offensive.
The leaders emphasized that any ceasefire must not be one-sided and would necessitate Hamas to disarm and promptly release all remaining hostages. Referring to the International Court of Justice’s January ruling in a genocide case brought by South Africa, the statement underscored Israel’s obligation to protect civilians and ensure the provision of essential humanitarian assistance.
“The protection of civilians is paramount and a requirement under international humanitarian law,” the statement asserted. “Palestinian civilians cannot be made to pay the price of defeating Hamas.”
