Fact-Check Article: Israel's Rejection of the Joint Statement on Ceasefire
What We Know
On July 21, 2025, a joint statement was released by the foreign ministers of 25 Western nations, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, and the UK, calling for an "immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire" in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The statement expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, condemning the Israeli government's aid delivery model and urging compliance with international humanitarian law (UK Government, ABC News).
In response to this statement, Israel's Foreign Ministry officially rejected the call, stating that the joint statement was "disconnected from reality" and sent the "wrong message to Hamas," the group it accuses of prolonging the conflict (Times of Israel, Jewish Chronicle). The Israeli government emphasized that the focus should be on Hamas, which they claim is responsible for the ongoing violence and the suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians (Sky News, Global Times).
Analysis
The claim that Israel rejected the joint statement signed by 25 Western nations is supported by multiple credible sources. The Israeli Foreign Ministry's statement clearly articulates their position, asserting that the joint statement fails to address Hamas's role in the conflict and instead misplaces the pressure on Israel (Times of Israel, Jewish Chronicle).
The sources reporting on this rejection include established news organizations such as ABC News, Times of Israel, and Sky News, which are generally regarded as reliable. However, it is important to note that the framing of the situation can vary between outlets, with some emphasizing humanitarian concerns and others focusing on Israel's security narrative. For instance, while the joint statement highlights the humanitarian crisis, Israel's rejection emphasizes the need to hold Hamas accountable for the ongoing violence (Al Jazeera, Sky News).
The joint statement itself, backed by 25 nations, reflects a significant international concern regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which has been described as reaching "new depths" (UK Government, ABC News). This context is crucial as it illustrates the broader international diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict, contrasting sharply with Israel's rejection.
Conclusion
The claim that Israel rejected the joint statement signed by 25 Western nations calling for an unconditional and permanent ceasefire is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that Israel's Foreign Ministry explicitly dismissed the statement, citing it as disconnected from the realities of the conflict and misdirected in its focus on Hamas. This rejection underscores the complexities of the ongoing conflict and the differing perspectives on how to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Sources
- Occupied Palestinian Territories: joint statement, 21 July 2025
- 28 countries sign statement calling for end of war in Gaza
- ‘Wrong message:’ Israel dismisses call by 25 countries to end Gaza war
- Israel rejects 25-nation statement calling for end to Gaza war
- 28 countries called for an end to Israel's war on Gaza
- Israel rejects call to end war in Gaza from 24 nations
- Israel rejects 25 Western nations' call to end Gaza war
- 28 Western nations say Gaza war 'must end now,' suffering
