Summary
- Countries says suffering of Palestinians hits new depths
- Statement criticises ‘drip feeding of aid’ in GazaIsrael says statement ‘disconnected from reality’
London – A group of 25 Western countries including Britain, France, and Canada said on Monday Israel must immediately end its war in Gaza and criticised what they called the “inhumane killing” of Palestinians, including hundreds near food distribution sites.
“The suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths,” the ministers declared. “The war must end now.”
The statement, signed by foreign ministers from countries including Australia, Canada, France, Ireland, Japan, the United Kingdom, and several EU member states, denounced what they described as Israel’s “dangerous” and “dehumanizing” model of aid delivery. Citing the deaths of over 800 Palestinians killed while seeking food and water, the signatories accused the Israeli government of weaponizing humanitarian access.
“The drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs is horrifying,” the ministers wrote. “Israel must comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law.”
The group also reiterated its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas since the October 7, 2023 attacks. They expressed hope that a negotiated ceasefire could bring a resolution to the conflict and relief to the families of the captives.
In a direct rebuke of recent Israeli proposals, the statement firmly rejected plans to relocate Palestinian civilians to so-called “humanitarian cities,” calling them a form of permanent forced displacement and a clear violation of international law.
The ministers also condemned ongoing Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, especially the E1 project, which they warned could effectively cut a future Palestinian state in two. They warned that such actions represent a “flagrant breach of international law” and seriously jeopardize prospects for a two-state solution.
“We strongly oppose any steps towards territorial or demographic change in the Occupied Palestinian Territories,” the statement said, calling on Israel to halt all settlement activity and settler violence, which has reportedly surged in recent months.
Calling for an “immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire,” the signatories pledged their support for the diplomatic efforts led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to end the fighting. They also signaled readiness to “take further action” to support peace and accountability in the region.
“The international community must unite in a common effort to bring this terrible conflict to an end. Further bloodshed serves no purpose,” the ministers urged.
The statement reflects growing frustration among Western governments over the protracted conflict and what many view as a worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. It marks one of the strongest and most coordinated calls yet from the international community for an end to hostilities and for the protection of civilians on both sides.
Signatories:
The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Greece, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, along with the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management.
