They called upon all the nations to “refrain from the threat of or use of force against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state.” This came as the countries expressed “deepest concern over the war raging in Ukraine.”
The joint declaration issued by the nations welcomed the UNSC resolution urging Israel and Gaza to “immediately and steadily” work towards the release of all hostages.
Quad reiterates two-state solution for Israel-Gaza conflict
The Quad leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a two-state solution that guarantees a sovereign, viable, and independent Palestine while also addressing Israel’s “legitimate security concerns.”
“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 a just, lasting, and secure peace,” the joint statement said.
“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 in the region,” it added.
Welcoming the UNSC resolution, the declaration said, “We urge all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, as applicable.”
The statement called on all parties to take every feasible step to protect the lives of civilians, including aid workers, and to facilitate rapid, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian relief.
It also encouraged other countries, particularly those in the Indo-Pacific, to enhance their support to address the urgent humanitarian needs on the ground.
Additionally, it underscored that the international community should support the future recovery and reconstruction of Gaza.
‘Threatening to use nuclear weapons unacceptable’: Quad on Russia-Ukraine conflict
Without naming Russia or Putin, the Quad members said, “In the context of this war, we share the view that the use, or threat of use, of nuclear weapons is unacceptable.”
“We express our deepest concern over the war raging in Ukraine including the terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences,” they added.
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden appreciated PM Modi for visiting Poland and Ukraine amid ongoing war in the region.
“President Biden commended Prime Minister Modi for his historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in decades, and for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine, including its energy sector, and on the importance of international law, including the UN charter,” a White House statement said.
‘China testing us’: Biden tells Quad leaders unofficially
US President Joe Biden was overheard on a hot mic telling Quad leaders that China was testing them, however, the leaders refrained from making any direct statements on China.
“We believe Xi Jinping is looking to focus on domestic economic challenges and minimise the turbulence in China,” Biden said.
“At the same time, we believe intense competition requires intense diplomacy,” he added.
The error was later addressed by an administrative official who said: “I don’t think I have much to elaborate on that. It’s consistent with what has been said before, and I don’t think it’ll be much of a surprise that our inside voice matches our outside voice.”
Source : Times of India
