KONTAN.CO.ID - JAKARTA. The Prime Ministers of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand today issued a joint statement calling on Israel to cancel its planned ground attack in Rafah.

The statement came out after reports of Israel's planned military operation in occupied Rafah, Palestine.

The joint statement was signed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Thursday (15/2).

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The three leaders expressed deep concern about indications that Israel is planning a ground attack on Rafah, Palestine. 

"A military operation in Rafah would be a major disaster. About 1.5 million Palestinian refugees live in the area, including many Palestinians and their families," the joint statement posted by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on his Instagram account revealed.

 

They are worried that, with the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, the impact of an expanded military operation on Palestinian civilians would be devastating for the country. 

"We urge the Israeli government not to carry out this ground attack. There is nowhere else for civilians to go."

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These three countries also reminded that there is a growing international consensus, Israel should listen to its friends and the international community. 

Because the protection of civilians is the most important thing and is a requirement under international humanitarian law. 

Palestinian civilians cannot be forced to bear the consequences of the defeat of Palestinian freedom fighters Hamas. Therefore, an immediate humanitarian ceasefire is urgently needed. 

The leaders of these three countries also called for the release of hostages from both sides. Because the need for humanitarian aid in Gaza is very large. Quick, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian aid must be provided to civilians. 

The International Court has previously clearly stated that Israel must ensure the provision of basic services and essential humanitarian aid and must protect civilians. The Court's decision on these interim measures is binding.

"We fully understand that a sustained ceasefire is needed to find a path to lasting peace for Israel and Palestine. 

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Any ceasefire cannot be done unilaterally. These three allied countries of Israel call on the Palestinian freedom fighters Hamas to lay down their weapons and immediately release all hostages. 

"We once again strongly condemn Hamas for its terrorist attack on Israel on October 7," they said

In the end, these three heads of government called for a negotiated political solution to achieve lasting peace and security. 

Australia, Canada, and New Zealand remain firm in their commitment to a two-state solution, including the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, where Palestinians and Israelis live side by side in peace, security, and dignity.

Editor: Syamsul Azhar