RAMALLAH, Friday, July 26, 2024 (WAFA) – The leaders of Australia, New Zealand and Canada called today for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza in a joint statement.

"An immediate ceasefire is needed desperately," the statement said. "Civilians must be protected, and a sustained increase in the flow of assistance throughout Gaza is needed to address the humanitarian situation."

The three leaders urged Israel to respond to the International Court of Justice's ruling last week which deemed its occupation of Palestinian territories illegal.

"We call on Israel to respond substantively to the ICJ's advisory opinion, and ensure accountability for ongoing acts of violence against Palestinians by extremist settlers, reverse the record expansion of settlements in the West Bank which are illegal under international law, and work towards a two-state solution," the statement read. 

"We are gravely concerned about the prospect of further escalation across the region."

M.N