LONDON (AP) — Twenty-eight countries, including Britain, Japan, and several European nations, issued a joint statement on Monday calling for an immediate end to the war in Gaza. This latest action reflects mounting international pressure as Israel faces increasing isolation.
The statement described as “horrifying” the recent deaths of over 800 Palestinians seeking aid, citing data from Gaza’s Health Ministry and the UN human rights office.
“The Israeli government’s approach to delivering aid is dangerous, fuels instability, and robs Gazans of their human dignity,” the countries asserted. “Israel’s refusal to provide essential humanitarian assistance to civilians is unacceptable. Israel must fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian law.”
Israel’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the statement, claiming it was “detached from reality and sends the wrong message to Hamas.” The ministry accused Hamas of prolonging the conflict by rejecting an Israeli-backed proposal for a temporary ceasefire and the release of hostages.
“Hamas bears sole responsibility for the continuation of the war and the suffering on both sides,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein posted on X.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee also denounced the statement from many of America’s closest allies, labeling it “disgusting” in a post on X and urging them instead to pressure the “savages of Hamas.” Notably, Germany did not sign the statement.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul wrote on X that he spoke with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar on Monday, expressing “grave concern about the catastrophic humanitarian situation” in Gaza as Israel’s offensive intensifies. He called on Israel to adhere to the agreements with the EU to allow increased humanitarian aid.
Gaza’s population of over 2 million Palestinians now faces a dire humanitarian crisis, heavily reliant on the limited aid permitted into the territory. Israel’s offensive has displaced approximately 90 percent of the population, forcing many to flee multiple times.
Most of the food supplies that Israel has allowed into Gaza are funneled through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an American organization backed by Israel. Since operations began in May, witnesses and health officials report that Israeli soldiers have killed hundreds of Palestinians attempting to access these aid sites. The Israeli military maintains that it has only fired warning shots at those approaching its forces.
Israel’s 21-month conflict with Hamas has pushed Gaza to the brink of famine, sparked global protests, and even led to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
Despite growing criticism from its allies, Israel’s actions have seen little change. In May, Britain, France, and Canada issued a joint statement urging Netanyahu’s government to halt its military operations in Gaza, threatening “concrete actions” if compliance was not met.
Israel rejects criticism of its conduct during the war, asserting that its forces have acted lawfully and blaming the civilian casualties on Hamas for operating in densely populated areas. Israel claims it has allowed sufficient food into Gaza and accuses Hamas of diverting much of it, although the UN notes there is no evidence of widespread diversion of humanitarian aid.
The new joint statement called for an immediate ceasefire, signaling that countries are ready to take measures to support a diplomatic path to peace in the region.
Although Israel and Hamas have engaged in ceasefire talks, no breakthrough seems imminent, and it remains uncertain whether any truce would bring a lasting end to the conflict. Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until all hostages are freed and Hamas is either defeated or disarmed.
Addressing Parliament, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed his gratitude to the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt for their diplomatic efforts to end the war.
“There is no military solution,” Lammy stressed. “The next ceasefire must be the final one.” Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke added on Tuesday that the hostages must be released and the war must end, describing the images of destruction and killing emerging from Gaza as “indefensible.” “We’re all hoping for a breakthrough,” Burke told Australian Broadcasting.
Hamas initiated the conflict on October 7, 2023, when militants stormed southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage. Fifty hostages remain in Gaza, but fewer than half are believed to be alive.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israel’s military offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 59,000 Palestinians. Although the count does not differentiate between militants and civilians, the ministry reports that more than half of those killed are women and children. Despite being part of the Hamas government, the ministry is regarded by the UN and other international organizations as the most reliable source of casualty data.
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