LONDON (AP) – A coalition of 28 countries, including Britain, Japan, Australia, and several European nations, issued a joint statement on Monday demanding an immediate end to the war in Gaza. This statement highlights the growing concern among allies regarding Israel's military actions and their humanitarian impact as the country's international isolation appears to be increasing.
The foreign ministers of these countries expressed alarm over the extreme suffering of civilians in Gaza, which they said has reached "new depths." They condemned the insufficient aid being provided and the "inhumane killing of civilians, including children," as they struggle to access basic necessities such as water and food. The joint statement also labeled the recent fatalities of over 800 Palestinians seeking aid as "horrifying," referencing data from Gaza's Health Ministry and the U.N. human rights office.
Furthermore, the statement criticized Israel's humanitarian aid delivery model, describing it as dangerous and destabilizing, thereby stripping Gazans of their human dignity. It called on Israel to comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law, stating that the Israeli government's denial of essential humanitarian assistance is unacceptable.
In response, Israel's Foreign Ministry dismissed the joint statement as "disconnected from reality" and claimed it sends a misguided message to Hamas. Israeli officials argue that Hamas should be held accountable for the ongoing conflict, accusing the militant group of extending the war by refusing to accept proposals for a temporary ceasefire and hostage release. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein asserted that Hamas is solely responsible for the suffering experienced by both sides.
The statement from the allied countries did not include Germany, whose Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza during discussions with his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar. Wadephul urged Israel to adhere to agreements with the European Union aimed at facilitating more humanitarian aid.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated to catastrophic levels, with the population of over two million Palestinians heavily reliant on limited aid deemed acceptable by Israel. Ongoing Israeli military operations have displaced approximately 90% of the population, with many individuals forced to flee multiple times. Most of the humanitarian aid entering Gaza is directed through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, leading to claims of civilian casualties due to clashes with Israeli soldiers during aid distribution.
Amidst a backdrop of rising casualties—a reported 59,000 Palestinians according to Gaza's Health Ministry—the conflict has resulted in an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. International critique of Israel's wartime actions has largely gone unheeded, with past joint statements from allies failing to prompt a change in policy. Israel maintains that its military actions are lawful, asserting that Hamas is to blame for civilian casualties due to its operations within populated areas.
The new measure from allied nations advocates for an immediate ceasefire, indicating their willingness to take actions that support a political resolution in the region. Currently, ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas have not yielded any substantial breakthroughs, with Netanyahu affirming his commitment to continue military operations until all hostages are released and Hamas is incapacitated.
During a parliamentary address, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy acknowledged the diplomatic efforts of the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt aimed at resolving the conflict. He emphasized the necessity of a ceasefire that must serve as the final cessation of hostilities. Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke echoed the call for peace, remarking that the images of destruction emerging from Gaza are "indefensible." With hostilities ignited by Hamas militants' infiltration into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to hundreds of deaths and hostages taken, the region remains on edge as casualties continue to rise.
