Calls for a ceasefire during the Israel–Hamas war
During the Israel–Hamas war, calls for a ceasefire have been a common feature of international reactions to the conflict. Many international actors perceived an urgent need for a ceasefire due to the severity of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the increasing death toll of civilians, primarily due to the Israeli blockade and invasion of the Gaza Strip. Notably, the leaders of some European governments that generally support Israel in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict were among the voices calling for a ceasefire, including France, Spain, Portugal and Ireland, alongside Turkey, Russia, Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, among others.[1]
Debates over the impact and timing of a ceasefire became a prominent part of domestic political discourse in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, whose governments have instead called for "humanitarian pauses" to the current fighting.[2][3] As of 11 November, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued to reject calls for a ceasefire,[4] while on 13 November, a spokesman for Hamas' al-Qassam Brigades offered to release 70 Israeli hostages in exchange for a five-day truce and ceasefire.[5]
Governments calling for a ceasefire
Africa
- Algeria: In February 2024, Algeria put forward a United Nations resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire and release of all hostages.[6] On 20 February, thirteen members of the UN Security Council voted in favor of the resolution. However, it was vetoed by the United States.[7]
Americas
- Brazil: As early as 11 October, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva posted on X that "An international humanitarian intervention is urgently needed... A ceasefire is urgently needed in defense of Israeli and Palestinian children."[8]
- Dominica: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit condemned the conflict, calling it "abhorrent."[9]
- Honduras: The government issued a statement condemning Hamas for the attacks, expressed solidarity with the people of Israel and made a call for a ceasefire.[10] However, on 3 November, Honduras recalled its ambassador to Israel citing violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza.[11]
- United States:
- Hawaii: The Hawai'i State Senate became the first legislative body in the United States to call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire.[12] The bill reads "members of Hawaii's congressional delegation are urged to insist that the Biden Administration call for an immediate, permanent ceasefire in Gaza."[13]
Asia
- Afghanistan: Voted in favor of UN resolutions ES-10/21 and ES-10/22, both of which called for an immediate ceasefire.[14]
- Bangladesh: The Foreign Ministry issued a press statement calling for an immediate ceasefire and solving the conflict with dialogue and diplomacy. It condemned the armed conflict, expressed deep concern over the "tragic loss of civilian lives", and urged both sides to "exercise maximum refrainment".[15][16]
- China: On 20 October, President Xi Jinping met with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and was quoted as saying "The top priority now is a ceasefire as soon as possible, to avoid the conflict from expanding or even spiraling out of control and causing a serious humanitarian crisis".[17]
- Pakistan: The Foreign Office issued a statement urging an immediate ceasefire and a return to peaceful negotiations, stating that they were "closely monitoring the unfolding situation".[18] Pakistan reiterated its position that the solution to the conflict was a two-state solution, including the establishment of a viable, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital.[19]
- United Arab Emirates: The Foreign Ministry called for an immediate ceasefire.[20] Later it condemned Hamas for its "serious and grave escalation" and its hostage taking.[21]
- Vietnam: Foreign Ministry spokesperson Phạm Thu Hằng stated that Vietnam "strongly condemns acts of violence against civilians, humanitarian facilities, and essential infrastructure in the Middle East conflict", while calling on both parties to "immediately cease fire, end the use of force, respect international humanitarian law, resume negotiations, and resolve differences through peaceful means."[22]
Europe
- Albania: On 9 November 2023, Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that "A negotiated cessation of active hostilities is imperative", while still clarifying that "Albania stands firm with Israel against Hamas".[23]
- France: On 10 November 2023, President Emmanuel Macron called for a ceasefire and urged Israel to stop bombing Gaza and killing civilians.[24]
- Ireland: Calling for a ceasefire in August 2024, Prime Minister Simon Harris said: "40,000 dead in Gaza is a milestone the world must be ashamed of. International diplomacy has failed to protect innocent children, some only days old."[25]
- Russia: By 13 October, Russian ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia was calling for a "humanitarian cease-fire".[26]
- Switzerland: The government condemned the attacks and asked for all parties to work toward a peaceful resolution. It also "underlined that de-escalation is the priority" and "called on those responsible to do everything possible to bring about a ceasefire and avoid a regional escalation."[27]
- Turkey: On 4 November, Turkey recalled its ambassador to Israel "in view of the unfolding humanitarian tragedy in Gaza caused by the continuing attacks by Israel against civilians, and Israel's refusal (to accept) a ceasefire."[28]
Oceania
- Australia: On 22 March 2024, Australia and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement calling for an immediate ceasefire.[29] In July 2024, the Australian prime minister, along with the prime ministers of Canada and New Zealand, called for a ceasefire in Gaza.[30]
Responses in Israel and Gaza
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As of 11 November, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued to reject calls for a ceasefire,[31] while on 13 November, a spokesman for Hamas' al-Qassam Brigades offered to release 70 Israeli hostages in exchange for a five-day truce and ceasefire.[32]
On 6 May 2024, Hamas accepted the terms of a ceasefire brokered by Egypt and Qatar.[33]
Public figures calling for a ceasefire
In addition to governments, many public figures, including entertainers and politicians, have called for a ceasefire.[34][35]
Actors
- Alia Shawkat
- Alyssa Milano
- Amanda Seales
- Amber Tamblyn
- America Ferrera
- Andrew Garfield
- Aria Mia Loberti
- Ayo Edebiri
- Bonnie Wright
- Cate Blanchett
- Channing Tatum
- David Cross
- David Oyelowo
- Dominique Fishback
- Dominique Thorne
- Hasan Minhaj
- Hend Sabry
- Indya Moore
- Jeremy Strong
- Jessica Chastain
- Jessie Buckley
- Joaquin Phoenix
- Kristen Stewart
- Mahershala Ali
- Margaret Cho
- Mark Ruffalo
- May Calamawy
- Michael Malarkey
- Michael Shannon
- Oscar Isaac
- Quinta Brunson
- Rachel Sennott
- Ramy Youssef
- Riz Ahmed
- Rooney Mara
- Rosario Dawson
- Rowan Blanchard
- Sandra Oh
- Shailene Woodley
- Susan Sarandon
- Taylour Paige
- Wallace Shawn
- Yara Shahidi
Authors
Comedians
Film directors
Musicians
Politicians
The examples and perspective in this section deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (April 2024) |
- Keir Starmer
- Rishi Sunak
- Alma Adams
- Tammy Baldwin
- Becca Balint
- Michael Bennet
- Don Beyer
- Cory Booker
- Earl Blumenauer
- Chris Coons
- Sanford Bishop
- Tammy Duckworth
- Suzanne Bonamici
- Dick Durbin
- Jamaal Bowman
- Martin Heinrich
- Cori Bush
- John Hickenlooper
- Tony Cárdenas
- Mazie Hirono
- André Carson
- Tim Kaine
- Troy Carter
- Mark Kelly
- Greg Casar
- Angus King
- Joaquin Castro
- Ben Ray Luján
- Judy Chu
- Ed Markey
- Emanuel Cleaver
- Jeff Merkley
- Steve Cohen
- Chris Murphy
- Gerry Connolly
- Patty Murray
- Jason Crow
- Jon Ossoff
- Diana DeGette
- Jack Reed
- Chris Deluzio
- Jeanne Shaheen
- Mark DeSaulnier
- Tina Smith
- Debbie Dingell
- Christopher Van Hollen
- Lloyd Doggett
- Mark Warner
- Veronica Escobar
- Raphael Warnock
- Valerie Foushee
- Elizabeth Warren
- Maxwell Frost
- Peter Welch
- John Garamendi
- Jesús "Chuy" Garcia
- Robert Garcia
- Jimmy Gomez
- Al Green
- Raúl Grijalva
- Josh Harder
- Chrissy Houlahan
- Jared Huffman
- Jonathan Jackson
- Sara Jacobs
- Pramila Jayapal
- Hank Johnson Jr.
- Ro Khanna
- Dan Kildee
- Greg Landsman
- Barbara Lee
- Summer Lee
- Teresa Leger Fernández
- Zoe Lofgren
- Stephen Lynch
- Seth Magaziner
- Betty McCollum
- Morgan McGarvey
- James P. McGovern
- Kweisi Mfume
- Jerrold Nadler
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Ilhan Omar
- Donald Payne Jr.
- Dean Phillips
- Chellie Pingree
- Mark Pocan
- Ayanna Pressley
- Pat Ryan
- Jamie Raskin
- Delia Ramirez
- Mary Gay Scanlon
- Jan Schakowsky
- Kim Schrier
- Terri Sewell
- Brad Sherman
- Mikie Sherrill
- Melanie Stansbury
- Elissa Slotkin
- Mark Takano
- Bennie Thompson
- Rashida Tlaib
- Paul Tonko
- Lauren Underwood
- Gabe Vasquez
- Nydia Velázquez
- Maxine Waters
- Bonnie Watson Coleman
- Jennifer Wexton
- Susan Wild
- Nikema Williams
Organizations calling for a ceasefire
Medical
Religious
See also
- 2008 Israel–Hamas ceasefire
- 2023 humanitarian crisis in Gaza
- 2023 Israel–Hamas war protests
- Ceasefire attempts during the 2006 Lebanon War
- Diplomatic impact of the 2023 Israel–Hamas war
- International reactions to the 2023 Israel–Hamas war
- United Nations General Assembly Resolution ES-10/21
References
- ^ "Israel-Hamas war: Which countries are calling for a ceasefire – and how is it different to a humanitarian pause?". Sky News. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
- ^ Mallinder, Lorraine. "Ceasefire, pause or truce? What have Israel and Hamas agreed to?". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
- ^ Graham-Harrison, Emma (5 November 2023). "Humanitarian pause v ceasefire – the debate over how to ease Gaza's suffering". The Observer. ISSN 0029-7712. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
- ^ "Israel Latest: Netanyahu Rejects Calls for Cease-Fire With Hamas". Bloomberg.com. 11 November 2023. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
- ^ "Hamas armed wing says it discussed freeing 70 hostages in return for 5-day truce". Reuters. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
- ^ Lederer, Edith (19 February 2024). "UN Security Council to vote Tuesday on resolution demanding Gaza ceasefire, US vows to use its veto". AP News. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- ^ "Gaza war: US blocks Algerian resolution pushing for a ceasefire with third UN veto". Africanews. AP. 22 February 2024. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- ^ "Brazil's Lula calls for ceasefire, humanitarian intervention in Israel-Palestinian conflict". Reuters. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
- ^ Henry, George (10 October 2023). "Caribbean nations push for ceasefire in Israel-Hamas conflict". WriteUps24. Archived from the original on 12 October 2023. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
- ^ "Honduras condena el ataque contra Israel, pide cese el fuego y llama al diálogo" [Honduras condemns the attack against Israel, calls for a ceasefire and calls for dialogue] (in Spanish). SwissInfo. 7 October 2023. Archived from the original on 15 October 2023. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
- ^ "Honduras latest Latin American country to recall ambassador to Israel". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
- ^ "In 24-1 Vote, Hawaii State Senate Demands Permanent Cease-Fire in Gaza". Common Dreams. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- ^ "Senate Concurrent Resolution" (PDF).
- ^ Masih, Niha (13 December 2023). "U.N. resolution on Gaza cease-fire: Which countries voted for and against it". The Washington Post. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- ^ "Israel-Palestine conflict: Bangladesh calls for immediate ceasefire". The Daily Star. Dhaka. 8 October 2023. Archived from the original on 8 October 2023. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
- ^ "ইসরাইল-ফিলিস্তিন সংঘাত: যুদ্ধবিরতির আহবান জানিয়েছে বাংলাদেশ" [Israel-Palestine conflict: Bangladesh calls for ceasefire]. Voice of America (Bangla) (in Bengali). 8 October 2023. Archived from the original on 8 October 2023. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
- ^ Gan, Nectar (19 October 2023). "China's Xi seeks swift end to Israel-Hamas conflict, calls for two-state solution". CNN. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
- ^ "Pakistan calls for ceasefire in Israel-Palestine conflict". The Express Tribune. 7 October 2023. Archived from the original on 7 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
- ^ "Pakistan's concerns at the unfolding situation in the Middle East". Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Pakistan. 7 October 2023. Archived from the original on 7 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
- ^ Al Amir, Khitam. "Israel-Palestine conflict: UAE calls for immediate ceasefire to prevent dangerous consequences". Gulf News. Archived from the original on 7 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
- ^ "UAE calls Hamas attacks on Israel a 'serious and grave escalation'". Reuters. 8 October 2023. Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
- ^ Hoang Ha (19 October 2023). "Viet Nam strongly condemns violent attacks on civilians in Middle East tension". ONLINE NEWSPAPER OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM (in Vietnamese). Government of Vietnam. Archived from the original on 22 October 2023. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
- ^ Ceta, Kristi. "Albania Stands Firm with Israel, But Ceasefire Needed; PM". Albanian Daily News. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- ^ "Macron says 'no justification' for bombing civilians as he calls for Gaza ceasefire". The Guardian. 10 November 2023.
- ^ "Simon Harris: 'The world must be ashamed' as Gaza death toll passes 40,000". The Irish Examiner. 16 August 2024.
- ^ "Israel-Hamas War: Russia calls for humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza". Le Monde.fr. 14 October 2023. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
- ^ "Statement Israel / OPT". FDFA. 8 October 2023. Archived from the original on 1 June 2023. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
- ^ "Turkey recalls envoy to Israel, 'writes off' Netanyahu". France 24. 4 November 2023. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
- ^ "UK, Australia call for 'immediate' end to fighting in Gaza". Al Jazeera. 22 March 2024. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- ^ Hurst, Daniel. "Australia, Canada and New Zealand leaders urge ceasefire in Gaza to end 'catastrophic' situation". The Guardian. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
- ^ "Israel Latest: Netanyahu Rejects Calls for Cease-Fire With Hamas". Bloomberg.com. 11 November 2023. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
- ^ "Hamas armed wing says it discussed freeing 70 hostages in return for 5-day truce". Reuters. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
- ^ Ni, Vincent; Frayer, Lauren (6 May 2024). "Hamas has accepted a cease-fire deal proposed by Egypt and Qatar". Middle East crisis—explained. NPR. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
- ^ Veltman, Chloe (21 October 2023). "Entertainment industry A-listers sign a letter to Biden urging a cease-fire in Gaza". NPR. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- ^ "Congressional Support for Ceasefire". Win Without War. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- ^ "The US must call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza". Doctors Without Borders. Retrieved 9 September 2024.
- ^ "MedGlobal Urges VP Kamala Harris at the DNC to Support Immediate Ceasefire and Unimpeded Humanitarian Aid to Gaza". MedGlobal. Retrieved 9 September 2024.
- ^ "Gaza hospital destroyed, WHO chief reiterates ceasefire call". UN News. Retrieved 9 September 2024.
- ^ "World Council of Churches calls for permanent ceasefire in Gaza". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 19 June 2024.