In a significant diplomatic effort, twenty-five countries have issued a joint statement demanding the immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza. The statement accuses Israel of failing to facilitate adequate humanitarian aid, emphasizing the need for compliance with international humanitarian law. The signatories declared, "The war in Gaza must end now," highlighting the urgent need to alleviate the suffering of civilians.
The statement underscores that the humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached alarming levels of distress. According to the signatories, the Israeli government's model for delivering aid is described as dangerous and a source of instability, stripping Gazans of their basic human dignity. The document further articulates that the denial of essential humanitarian assistance to civilians is unacceptable and urges Israel to fulfill its responsibilities under international humanitarian law.
Throughout the ongoing conflict, Israel has asserted that it is providing sufficient aid to Gaza. However, international aid organizations consistently report that the aid is inadequate. The United Nations has highlighted alarming conditions of malnutrition within Gaza, contradicting Israel's claims.
The urgency of the joint statement was amplified following a tragic incident on Sunday, where at least 81 Palestinians lost their lives and around 150 others were injured while attempting to access food supplies. This information comes from the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health, which reported that most casualties occurred near the Zikim border between Gaza and Israel. In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that their troops opened fire near crowds to address an immediate threat, though specifics were not provided.
Oren Marmorstein, a spokesperson for the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, criticized the joint statement as "disconnected from reality," asserting that it misplaces blame on Israel instead of addressing Hamas's role in the ongoing conflict. Marmorstein emphasized that Hamas is the primary actor responsible for both the persistence of the war and the resulting suffering on both sides. He urged for statements to focus on the actions of Hamas, which he claims has rejected a concrete ceasefire proposal.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, condemned the joint statement as "disgusting," arguing that it unfairly places pressure on Israel while failing to hold Hamas accountable. He claimed that the suffering in Gaza is a direct result of Hamas's rejection of every proposal for peace.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis has resulted in the deaths of at least 875 individuals in Gaza while seeking food aid, according to United Nations reports. The joint statement expressed horror at the high number of fatalities, specifically condemning Hamas for its refusal to release Israeli hostages, who have been held captive since October 7, 2023. The statement called for their immediate and unconditional release, framing a negotiated ceasefire as the best chance for their safe return and the relief of their families.
On the same day, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres voiced his alarm over the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza. He remarked that the essential lifelines for the population are collapsing and condemned the violence that continues to claim lives, especially among those seeking food for their families. Guterres reiterated that civilians must be protected and never targeted.
The joint statement from the 25 signatory countries called on the Israeli government to lift restrictions on aid flow immediately and to allow UN and humanitarian organizations to carry out their life-saving work without hindrance. The countries urged all parties involved to protect civilians and honor their commitments under international humanitarian law. They emphasized the need for a unified international effort to bring the conflict to an end, advocating for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire.
In conclusion, the statement reaffirmed the signatories' support for the efforts of the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt to achieve peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. The ongoing bloodshed serves no purpose, and the statement expressed readiness to take further action to facilitate an immediate ceasefire and a political resolution. Additionally, Pope Leo XIV has also echoed calls for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the international community's role in addressing this humanitarian crisis.
