In a strong show of unity, the Foreign Ministers of Andorra, Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia and Spain issued a joint statement on July 30, 2025, condemning the antisemitic terrorist attack in Israel that occurred on October 7th, 2023.
The ministers, who met to discuss global challenges and opportunities, emphasized their commitment to peace and security in the Middle East. They called for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas, and ensuring unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza. The statement also reiterates their support for a two-State solution, where Israel and Palestine coexist peacefully within secure and recognized borders.
The ministers 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 the recent commitments made by the President of the Palestinian Authority to condemn the terrorist attacks, call for hostage liberation, disarmament of Hamas, and commit to reforms.
Ahead of the meeting of the Heads of State and Government at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) in September 2025, the ministers pledged to recognize the State of Palestine as an essential step towards the two-State solution. They invited all countries that have not done so to join this call.
The statement also urged countries that have not established normal relations with Israel to do so and express their willingness to engage in discussions on regional integration of the State of Israel.
The ministers’ strong stance against terrorism and support for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is seen as a significant development in the region. The joint statement reflects the commitment of these countries to promoting peace, security, and human rights.
Key Demands
• An immediate ceasefire
• Unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas
• Ensuring unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza
• Support for a two-State solution where Israel and Palestine coexist peacefully within secure and recognized borders
• Recognition of the State of Palestine as an essential step towards the two-State solution
Welcoming Commitments
The ministers welcomed the recent commitments made by the President of the Palestinian Authority, including:
• Condemning the terrorist attacks
• Calling for hostage liberation
• Disarmament of Hamas
• Terminating the prisoner payment system
• Reforming schooling systems
• Committing to hold elections within a year to trigger generational renewal
• Accepting the principle of a demilitarized Palestinian State
A Call to Action
The ministers’ joint statement is seen as a call to action for all countries to work together towards peace and security in the Middle East. The 17 countries pledge to support a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to promote human rights and dignity for all people in the region.
In conclusion, the joint statement issued by the Foreign Ministers of Andorra, Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia and Spain reflects their commitment to promoting peace, security, and human rights. The call to action is a significant development in the region, and all countries are urged to join this effort towards a peaceful and prosperous future for all.