Trudeau joins call for ‘sustainable ceasefire’ in Israel-Hamas war

Justin Trudeau is urging Israel and Hamas to work towards a “sustainable ceasefire”, beginning with another pause in the ongoing hostilities.

The call came in the form of a joint statement with the leaders of Australia and New Zealand.

“We want to see this pause resumed and support urgent international efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire.”

Please read my joint statement with Prime Minister @AlboMP and Prime Minister @ChrisLuxonMP: https://t.co/zNSnajU7zC

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) December 12, 2023

The statement urges Hamas to release the hostages still being held from its “heinous” attack on Israel, while noting the group’s responsibility for sexual violence and use of “Palestinian civilians as human shields.”

WATCH MORE: Calls escalate for UN-led humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza

Together the leaders are calling for “safe and unimpeded humanitarian access” to enter into the Gaza Strip and for Israel to halt its siege of the territory.

It says that while Hamas cannot be allowed to govern Gaza, Israel cannot reoccupy the land nor displace Palestinians.

The leaders are ultimately calling for another multi-day truce, similar to the one enacted last month that allowed for the flow of humanitarian aid and the release of both Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

Trudeau had previously voiced support for a “humanitarian pause”, along with other western leaders.

WATCH MORE: Calls grow for Canada to help extended family members out of Gaza

A ceasefire differs as it marks a formal agreement between all involved parties to end hostilities, either temporarily, with a longer pause or end hostilities. A humanitarian pause is typically shorter and more concentrated in specific areas.

The statement comes just hours before a vote from the United Nations General Assembly on a non-binding draft resolution that would demand an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

It follows a decision by the United States to veto a resolution at the UN Security Council that called for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire.”

Gaza’s Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas, says that more than 17,000 people have lost their lives in the conflict since the violence began on Oct. 7.