A joint statement by 28 countries, including the UK, Canada, and Japan, has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza amid a devastating humanitarian crisis. The foreign ministers of the participating countries condemned “the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians” in Gaza, stating that Israel’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance is “unacceptable.”
The statement described as “horrifying” over 800 Palestinian deaths since October, with most being civilians. It also accused Israel’s “aid delivery model” of fueling instability and depriving Gazans of human dignity.
Israel has rejected the criticism, stating that Hamas’ refusal to accept an Israeli-backed ceasefire proposal is prolonging the war. The US Ambassador to Israel has also rejected the statement, calling it “disgusting.”
The crisis in Gaza has left over 2 million Palestinians facing a catastrophic humanitarian situation, with most relying on limited aid. Israel’s military offensive has displaced nearly 90% of the population, and hundreds of Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid.
The international community’s criticism of Israel’s actions has had little effect, with many allies having issued similar statements in the past without achieving a breakthrough. The new joint statement calls for an immediate ceasefire, with countries prepared to take action to support a peaceful pathway forward.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/europe-israel-hamas-war-gaza-e4062cffa9585790061105236a93d8e5