A: Hey there, any news you've been following? 🗞️
B: Not much really, just living my life here in Japan. What's up? 😌

A: Well, check this out! Some countries, like ours, and the EU have asked for a truce in Gaza. 🕊️
B: Really? Why's that so important? 🤔

A: It's because there've been many innocent people getting hurt in Gaza. These nations want Israel to ease up on restrictions and let aid flow. They're also urging both sides to end this conflict already. 💔
B: Wow, that sounds bad... I hope it ends soon. 😔

A: Yeah, me too! And guess what? A US-led foundation even tried to help by giving food, but Israelis opened fire near the sites, causing more harm. 😕
B: Oh no... That's terrible! I hope they find a peaceful solution soon. 🙏

Now let's see if you remember the main points from our chat:

1. Which countries, including Japan, have issued a joint statement regarding Gaza? (A) Twenty-eight countries (B) The United Nations (C) The European Union (D) Hamas

Answer: (C) The European Union

2. What does the joint statement urge Israel to do immediately? (A) Lift restrictions on the flow of aid (B) Start a new war (C) Evacuate all residents from Gaza (D) Close borders with neighboring countries

Answer: (A) Lift restrictions on the flow of aid

3. Which organization launched a food distribution campaign in Gaza? (A) UNICEF (B) The United Nations (C) A US-led foundation (D) Hamas

Answer: (C) A US-led foundation

4. What did Israel's foreign ministry say about the joint statement? (A) They accepted it (B) They rejected it and blamed Hamas for starting the conflict (C) They invited all parties involved to negotiate peacefully (D) They offered humanitarian aid to Gaza

Answer: (B) They rejected it and blamed Hamas for starting the conflict
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Twenty-eight countries, including Japan, as well as the European Union, have issued a joint statement calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.



The statement calls on Israel to "immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid and to urgently enable the UN and humanitarian NGOs to do their life saving work safely and effectively."



It says, "We urge the parties and the international community to unite in a common effort to bring this terrible conflict to an end." It added, "Further bloodshed serves no purpose."



This comes amid growing civilian casualties in Gaza. A local media outlet reported on Monday that Israeli ground forces are operating in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza for the first time since the conflict between Israel and Hamas broke out in October 2023.



A US-led foundation launched a food distribution campaign in Gaza in May, as the enclave faces severe food shortages. But there have been reports of Israeli forces opening fire near food distribution sites, resulting in civilian casualties. Local health authorities said 1,021 people have been killed.



Hamas issued a statement welcoming the appeal.



Israel's foreign ministry said in a statement that the country rejects the joint statement. It said all such claims should be directed at Hamas, which "started this war and is prolonging it."