Australia, Canada and New Zealand leaders urge ceasefire in Gaza to end ‘catastrophic’ situation

Prime ministers release joint statement saying they are ‘gravely concerned about the prospect of further escalation across the region’

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The prime ministers of Australia, Canada and New Zealand have declared that a ceasefire in Gaza is “needed desperately” and urged Israel to “listen to the concerns of the international community”.

In a strongly worded joint statement issued on Friday, the three leaders said they were “gravely concerned about the prospect of further escalation across the region”, including between Hezbollah and Israel.