July 21, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario
In a rare display of international unity, the foreign ministers of 26 countries and the European Union Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management have issued a joint statement condemning the ongoing conflict in Gaza and calling for an immediate ceasefire. The statement, signed by the foreign ministers of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, is a stark reminder of the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The foreign ministers, who have come together to express their shared concern over the situation in Gaza, have condemned the Israeli government’s aid delivery model, which they argue fuels instability and deprives Gazans of human dignity. They have also denounced the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food. The statement highlights the need for Israel to comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law and to lift restrictions on the flow of aid to Gaza.
Furthermore, the foreign ministers have expressed strong opposition to any proposals that would remove the Palestinian population into a ‘humanitarian city’, which they consider a violation of international humanitarian law. They have also strongly opposed the E1 settlement plan announced by Israel’s Civil Administration, which if implemented, would divide a future Palestinian state in two and critically undermine the two-state solution.
The statement has been welcomed by human rights organizations and advocacy groups, who have hailed it as a significant step towards bringing an end to the conflict. The foreign ministers’ call for a negotiated ceasefire and their support for the efforts of the US, Qatar, and Egypt to achieve a peaceful resolution are seen as crucial in addressing the crisis.
The joint statement has been signed by 26 countries and one EU Commissioner, demonstrating the commitment of these nations to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict. The foreign ministers’ call to action is clear: an immediate ceasefire and a political pathway to security and peace for Israelis, Palestinians, and the entire region.
The significance of this joint statement lies in its ability to bring together countries from diverse backgrounds and regions, united in their condemnation of the Israeli government’s actions and their support for a peaceful resolution. As the conflict continues to escalate, it is essential that the international community comes together to find a solution that addresses the needs of all parties involved.
The foreign ministers’ statement has been met with widespread acclaim, with many hailing it as a significant step towards bringing an end to the conflict. The future of peace in the region hangs in the balance, and it is imperative that the international community continues to work towards finding a solution that addresses the needs of all parties involved.
Key Demands:
- Lift restrictions on the flow of aid to Gaza
- Lift restrictions on humanitarian NGOs
- Support for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire
- Opposition to any proposals that would remove the Palestinian population into a ‘humanitarian city’
- Opposition to the E1 settlement plan announced by Israel’s Civil Administration
- Support for negotiations leading to security and peace for Israelis, Palestinians and the entire region
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Canada’s foreign policy – Global Affairs Canada