During the
2023 IsraelāHamas 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
IsraeliāPalestinian 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]
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 InƔcio 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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
Russia: By 13 October, Russian ambassador to the United Nations
Vassily Nebenzia was calling for a "humanitarian cease-fire".[25]
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."[26]
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."[27]
Oceania
Australia: On 22 March 2024, Australia and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement calling for an immediate ceasefire.[28]
Responses in Israel and Gaza
This section needs expansion. You can help by
adding to it. (November 2023)
As of 11 November, Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu continued to reject calls for a ceasefire,[29] 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.[30]
On 6 May 2024, Hamas accepted the terms of a ceasefire brokered by Egypt and Qatar.[31]
Public figures calling for a ceasefire
In addition to governments, many public figures, including entertainers and politicians, have called for a ceasefire.[32][33]