In a joint statement released earlier today, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs from Andorra, Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, and Spain condemned the October 7th terrorist attack on civilians in Israel, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages, including remains.
The group of ministers reiterated their unwavering commitment to a two-state solution, where Israel and Palestine coexist peacefully within secure and recognized borders, consistent with international law and relevant UN resolutions. They emphasized the importance of uniting the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under Palestinian Authority control.
The Andorra-Australia-Canada group expressed grave concern over the high number of civilian casualties and humanitarian situation in Gaza, highlighting the essential role of the United Nations and its agencies in facilitating humanitarian assistance. They welcomed commitments made by the President of the Palestinian Authority on June 10th, which included condemning Hamas’s attacks, calling for hostage liberation, disarmament, and schooling reform.
Ahead of the meeting of Heads of State and Government at the UN General Assembly in September 2025, the Andorra-Australia-Canada group reiterated their recognition of the State of Palestine as a crucial step towards the two-state solution. They invited all countries that have not done so to join this call and urged those who have not established normal relations with Israel to do so, expressing willingness to discuss regional integration.
The ministers also expressed determination to work on an architecture for “the day after” in Gaza, guaranteeing reconstruction, disarmament of Hamas, and its exclusion from Palestinian governance. This approach is seen as a key component of achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
Significance of the Alliance’s Stance
The Andorra-Australia-Canada group’s unified stance on this critical issue underscores their commitment to promoting peace, security, and human rights in the Middle East. By condemning the terrorist attack, calling for a ceasefire, and supporting the two-state solution, they demonstrate their solidarity with Israel and Palestine.
This coordinated effort by the Andorra-Australia-Canada group adds momentum to the international community’s efforts to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza and promote a lasting resolution through dialogue and cooperation. As the global stage prepares for the UN General Assembly meeting in September 2025, this alliance’s commitment to peace and stability serves as a powerful symbol of collective resolve.
By working together, these nations can help create an environment conducive to meaningful negotiations and ultimately achieve a more just and peaceful future for both Israelis and Palestinians.