Strong international statement calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza: Portugal and Morocco align in joint diplomatic path
ALDAR/ Sara Loukili
Following the meeting between Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel and his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita, a joint statement was issued, reflecting a unified international stance on the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The statement emphasizes the urgent need for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, marking a strong diplomatic initiative.
The statement, signed by the foreign ministers of over 30 countries — including France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, and Norway — as well as a representative from the European Commission, issued a clear call to end the devastating war in Gaza, which has reached unprecedented levels of human suffering.
The document strongly condemned what it described as a “dangerous pattern” adopted by the Israeli government in distributing aid, which humiliates civilians and deprives them of basic necessities such as water and food. It pointed to the deaths of more than 800 Palestinians while attempting to access aid. The signatories emphasized that obstructing humanitarian aid constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law and called on Israel to fulfill its legal obligations.
The statement also condemned the continued detention of hostages by Hamas since October 7, 2023, demanding their immediate and unconditional release. It stressed that achieving a ceasefire is the most effective means to end their ordeal and ease the suffering of their families.
The statement firmly rejected any proposals to forcibly relocate Gaza’s population to so-called “humanitarian cities,” labeling such actions as a gross violation of international law. It also expressed staunch opposition to any demographic or geographic changes in the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly in light of Israeli settlement expansion plans, including the “E1” project, which it warned would divide Palestinian territories and fundamentally undermine the two-state solution.
In a stern tone, the signatories urged Israel to lift all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid and allow UN agencies and NGOs to perform their duties without hindrance. All parties were also called upon to respect civilians and fully comply with international humanitarian law.
The statement concluded by expressing full support for the efforts of the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to achieve a lasting ceasefire, affirming the signatories’ readiness to take further concrete steps to support these efforts and achieve a just and lasting peace for both Palestinians and Israelis.
Portugal’s signature alongside Morocco, following their bilateral meeting, highlights the alignment of their political positions on major international crises and underscores the strengthening of their diplomatic cooperation on sensitive regional and international issues.
