A group of 28 countries, along with the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, has jointly called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza, warning that the humanitarian crisis has reached devastating new levels. The joint statement, shared on the official website of Australian foreign minister Penny Wong, called for an urgent political process to ensure long-term peace and security in the region. The signatories condemned the Israeli government’s handling of aid in Gaza, saying, “the Israeli government’s aid delivery model is dangerous, fuels instability and deprives Gazans of human dignity.”The statement noted that over 800 Palestinians have been killed while trying to access food and water, and criticised what it called the “drip feeding” of aid.“We condemn the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food. It is horrifying that over 800 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid.” the statement said, cited by ANI. “The Israeli Government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable. Israel must comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law,” it added. It also condemned Hamas for the continued detention of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attacks, and called for their “immediate and unconditional release.” The statement said that a negotiated ceasefire offers the best hope of securing their return. The signatories urged Israel to immediately lift restrictions on humanitarian aid and allow UN agencies and NGOs to carry out their lifesaving work safely and effectively. The statement also strongly opposed any proposed forced displacement of Palestinians under the guise of a “humanitarian city”, calling such measures a clear violation of international humanitarian law. Criticising Israel’s ongoing settlement expansion, it warned that the newly announced E1 settlement plan would sever Palestinian territories and pose a “flagrant breach” of international law, effectively destroying hopes for a two-state solution. “This must stop,” the statement read, referring also to the sharp rise in settler violence across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The joint appeal concluded with a united call for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire. It reaffirmed support for the mediation efforts led by the United States, Qatar and Egypt, and warned that continued bloodshed serves no purpose. “We are prepared to take further action to support an immediate ceasefire and a political pathway to security and peace for Israelis, Palestinians and the entire region,” the signatories pledged. Foreign ministers from countries including the UK, Canada, France, Japan, Germany, and the Nordic nations, as well as EU representation, signed the statement, marking one of the most extensive international appeals for an end to the Gaza conflict to date.
