The Quad countries expressed deep concerns over the “raging war” in Ukraine and the “humanitarian crisis” in Gaza, affirming their support for adherence to international law and respect for the principles of the UN Charter, including the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states, as well as the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Expressing their “deepest concern” regarding the war in Ukraine, the four nations underscored the importance of upholding international law in accordance with the UN Charter. “We express our deepest concern over the war raging in Ukraine, including the terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences,” the declaration said.
They reiterated that “all states must refrain from the threat of or use of force against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state.” The four countries also noted the negative impacts of the war in Ukraine on global food and energy security, particularly for developing and least developed countries. “In the context of this war, we share the view that the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is unacceptable.”
The Quad nations emphasized their shared interest in achieving peace and stability in West Asia. They unequivocally condemned the October 7 terror attacks while also expressing that the large-scale loss of civilian lives and the “humanitarian crisis” in Gaza is “unacceptable.”
They affirmed the imperative of securing the release of all hostages held by Hamas, emphasizing that a deal to release hostages would lead to an “immediate and prolonged ceasefire” in Gaza. They also underscored the urgent need to significantly increase deliveries of life-saving humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza and to prevent regional escalation.
“We urge all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, as applicable,” the joint statement read. Welcoming the UNSC resolution, the Quad nations urged all concerned parties to work “immediately and steadily” toward the release of all hostages and an immediate ceasefire.
“We call on all parties to take every feasible step to protect the lives of civilians, including aid workers, and to facilitate the rapid, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian relief to civilians. We also encourage other countries, including those in the Indo-Pacific, to increase their support in order to address the dire humanitarian needs on the ground. We underscore that the future recovery and reconstruction of Gaza should be supported by the international community,” the statement added.
The Quad leaders expressed their commitment to a two-state solution that ensures a sovereign, viable, and independent Palestine while also addressing Israel’s “legitimate security concerns.” They underscored the need to prevent the conflict from escalating and voiced opposition to Israeli expansion of settlements and “violent extremism on all sides.”
“We remain committed to a sovereign, viable, and independent Palestinian state, taking into account Israel’s legitimate security concerns as part of a two-state solution that enables both Israelis and Palestinians to live in just, lasting, and secure peace. Any unilateral actions that undermine the prospect of a two-state solution, including Israeli expansion of settlements and violent extremism on all sides, must end. We underscore the need to prevent the conflict from escalating and spilling over into the region,” the joint statement said.