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Twenty-two countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, have jointly called on Israel to immediately allow the full resumption of humanitarian aid into Gaza, where the population faces severe shortages of food, medicine, and essential supplies.
The statement came after the United Nations reported that only nine aid trucks had been allowed to enter Gaza, describing this as "a drop in the ocean in the face of the humanitarian crisis in the region."
In a joint statement, foreign ministers from the 22 nations, along with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, acknowledged "some signs of limited resumption of aid" but emphasized that Israel "has blocked humanitarian aid entering Gaza for more than two months." The countries included Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the U.K.
"Whilst we acknowledge indications of a limited restart of aid, Israel blocked humanitarian aid from entering Gaza for over two months. Food, medicines and essential supplies are exhausted. The population faces starvation. Gaza’s people must receive the aid they desperately need," the statement noted.
"Prior to the aid block, the UN and humanitarian NGOs delivered aid into Gaza, working with great courage, at the risk of their lives and in the face of major access challenges imposed by Israel. These organisations subscribe to upholding humanitarian principles, operating independently, with neutrality, impartiality and humanity. They have the logistical capacity, expertise and operational coverage to deliver assistance across Gaza to those who need it most," the statement read.
The countries strongly rejected Israel's plans to change the aid distribution system in Gaza, noting that "the UN and our humanitarian partners do not support this model." The statement emphasized that humanitarian principles "are important in conflicts around the world and should be applied consistently in every war zone."
In a separate but parallel statement, the UK, France, and Canada went further, threatening to take "additional concrete steps" if Israel does not halt its renewed attacks on Gaza and lift its blockade on humanitarian aid.
"We strongly oppose the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable. Yesterday’s announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is wholly inadequate. We call on the Israeli Government to stop its military operations in Gaza and immediately allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. This must include engaging with the UN to ensure a return to delivery of aid in line with humanitarian principles," the statement noted.
"We call on Hamas to release immediately the remaining hostages they have so cruelly held since 7 October 2023," the three countries added.
The three nations also condemned "the disgusting statements recently used by some members of the Israeli government," suggesting that civilians would be forced to relocate due to destruction in Gaza, emphasizing that "forced permanent displacement is a clear violation of international humanitarian law."
"The Israeli Government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law," the statement added.
"We will not stand by while the Netanyahu Government pursues these egregious actions. If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response," three nations noted.
The Palestinian Authority expressed satisfaction with the call from the U.K., France, and Canada, describing it as appropriate regarding "the implementation of the two-state solution, the immediate cessation of attacks, the release of prisoners, the withdrawal of occupying forces from Gaza, the entry of humanitarian aid, and the prevention of displacement."
In their statement, the Palestinian Authority emphasized that Gaza is "an integral part of Palestine" and stressed the need for "a political process based on international legitimacy resolutions that will ensure the end of occupation and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital."
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French President Emmanuel Macron reinforced the international criticism, stating on his X account: "We strongly oppose the expansion of Israel's military operations in Gaza. The level of humanitarian suffering in Gaza is unbearable."
Macron also referenced an upcoming conference on the Palestinian issue scheduled for June 18 in New York, emphasizing the need to work toward a two-state solution.
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