Iran Press/Europe: President Macron's office released a statement saying, “Faced with the unbearable human toll among the civilian population of Gaza and the unsustainable humanitarian situation, the president will call for the conclusion without further delay of an immediate and lasting ceasefire to allow the release of all the ‘hostages’ of Hamas, including that of our two compatriots, as well as the huge delivery of medical and humanitarian aid.”
The participation of the Israeli team in the Olympics has sparked controversy, particularly within the pro-Palestinian community, as the US-Israeli genocide in Gaza continues to intensify.
Following France’s lead, other nations including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, have reiterated their calls for an “immediate” ceasefire in Gaza, warning of the “disastrous” potential for regional conflict escalation.
In a joint statement, the prime ministers of these countries emphasized, “The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. An immediate ceasefire is needed desperately.” They further stated, “The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.”
Highlighting the importance of international law, the statement urged Israel to heed global concerns: “The protection of civilians is paramount and a requirement under international humanitarian law.” The leaders also called on Israel to “respond substantively” to the recent advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which deemed Israel’s presence in the 1967-occupied Palestinian territories as “unlawful” and demanded its end.
“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.
Israel’s foreign ministry has dismissed the ICJ ruling as "fundamentally wrong" and biased. The historical context dates back to Israel's occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem during the 1967 war, territories Palestinians seek for a future independent state.
The joint statement from the three prime ministers also expressed grave concern about the potential for broader regional conflict, amid escalating clashes between Israeli forces and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which has been conducting operations in solidarity with the Palestinians.
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