RAMALLAH, Thursday, February 15, 2024 (WAFA) - Canada, Australia and New Zealand on Thursday called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, according to a joint statement released in response to reports about Israel's planned military operation in Rafah.

"We are gravely concerned by indications that Israel is planning a ground offensive into Rafah. A military operation into Rafah would be catastrophic," the prime ministers of the three countries said in statement published by Reuters.

"An immediate humanitarian ceasefire is urgently needed."

The leaders also said the International Court of Justice's January ruling in a genocide case brought by South Africa obligated Israel to protect civilians and deliver basic services and essential humanitarian assistance.

"The protection of civilians is paramount and a requirement under international humanitarian law," the statement said.

K.T