What's happened
Australia and the UK have jointly called for an immediate cessation of fighting in Gaza, expressing deep concern over the humanitarian crisis. The call comes as Israel plans a ground assault on Rafah, prompting fears of devastating consequences for the civilian population. The UN Security Council is expected to vote on a US-drafted resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza, putting pressure on Israel to halt its offensive.
Why it matters
The joint call by Australia and the UK for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza highlights growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis and the potential impact of an Israeli ground assault on Rafah. The UN resolution, if passed, could increase pressure on Israel to end the conflict and allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid, potentially leading to a more sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports on the joint statement by Australia and the UK, emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire to address the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Independent focuses on the warning issued by the two countries regarding the devastating consequences of an Israeli ground invasion in Rafah. The Times of Israel provides insights into the tensions between Israel and its allies, with British officials calling for an immediate ceasefire on humanitarian grounds.
How we got here
The conflict in Gaza has been ongoing for over five months, with Hamas and Israel engaged in hostilities. The situation escalated with Israel's plans for a ground assault on Rafah, a move that has raised concerns about the safety of civilians and the humanitarian crisis in the region. International mediators have been working to broker a ceasefire and address the urgent need for aid and hostage release in Gaza.
More on these topics
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
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Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northÂwestern coast of the European mainland.