Canada, Australia, and New Zealand Call for Immediate Humanitarian Ceasefire in Gaza

Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, in a joint statement referring to the potential ground operation by Israel in Rafah in the Gaza Strip, called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the region. According to 'The Times of Israel', the prime ministers of these three countries expressed serious concern over indications that Israel is planning a ground attack on Rafah. The statement noted that 'military operations in Rafah would be catastrophic. An immediate humanitarian ceasefire is necessary.' Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke on Wednesday, February 14, with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant about negotiations for the release of remaining hostages held by the Hamas militant group in Gaza. Currently, more than 130 hostages remain in Gaza under Hamas's control, although there are concerns that some may have been killed. Militants from this group, supported by the Islamic Republic, killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in attacks on October 7 and took over 250 hostages to Gaza. More than 100 hostages were released during a one-week ceasefire between the country and Hamas. According to the U.S. Department of Defense website, Mr. Gallant provided Mr. Austin with new information regarding Israel's military operations in Khan Younis during their phone conversation. The defense ministers of the two countries also discussed the importance of protecting civilians and ensuring their access to humanitarian aid before any operations against Hamas in Rafah. The German Foreign Minister warned about the humanitarian disaster in Gaza; residents of Rafah have nowhere to take refuge. A U.S. Congress representative stated: 'Sexual violence, rape, and brutality are Hamas's strategy against civilians.' Israel approved the provision of Starlink satellite services in a field hospital in Gaza. Families of Israeli hostages urged the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants for Hamas leaders.