In a joint statement released today, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the Foreign Ministers of Australia, India, and Japan called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and advocated for the creation of a Palestinian state.
The statement starts with a firm condemnation of the terror attacks on October 7, 2023, noting the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “We unequivocally condemn the terror attacks on October 7, 2023,” the statement reads. “The extensive loss of civilian lives and the ongoing humanitarian situation are unacceptable. We emphasize the need for securing the release of all hostages held by Hamas and stress that this would facilitate an immediate and sustained ceasefire.”
The diplomats also call for a significant increase in humanitarian aid and urge all parties to comply with international law. They also insist on immediate steps towards the hostages’ release and a ceasefire.
* Arutz 7 contributed to this article.