22 Nations Urge Israel to Resume Gaza Aid amid Deepening Humanitarian Crisis
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Twenty-two countries, including major Western allies such as the UK, France, and Germany, have jointly urged Israel to immediately resume full humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza, warning that the population faces critical shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies
The call follows a United Nations report stating that only nine aid trucks were recently allowed into Gaza, a figure described by the UN as "a drop in the ocean in the face of the humanitarian crisis in the region."
In a coordinated statement, the foreign ministers of the 22 countries—joined by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas—acknowledged "some signs of limited resumption of aid," but stressed that Israel "has blocked humanitarian aid entering Gaza for more than two months."
The signatory nations include 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 United Kingdom.
"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 said.
The group emphasized the role of the UN and humanitarian NGOs, stating these organizations "delivered aid into Gaza with great courage, risking their lives while facing major access challenges imposed by Israel."
"These organisations uphold humanitarian principles and operate 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 ministers added.
The 22 countries also firmly opposed Israeli proposals to alter the aid distribution framework within Gaza, stating, "The UN and our humanitarian partners do not support this model."
They stressed that humanitarian principles "are important in conflicts around the world and should be applied consistently in every war zone."
In a separate and more pointed declaration, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada warned of "additional concrete steps" if Israel fails to stop its military operations in Gaza and does not lift its restrictions on humanitarian access.
"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," the joint statement read.
"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 also urged Hamas to release the remaining captives.
The three nations condemned "the disgusting statements" recently used by some members of the Israeli regime, particularly remarks suggesting civilians may be forcibly relocated due to destruction in Gaza.
"Forced permanent displacement is a clear violation of international humanitarian law," they said.
"The Israeli Government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law," the statement continued.
"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," the three governments warned.
The Palestinian Authority welcomed the international position, calling it appropriate and aligned with demands for an immediate ceasefire, the release of prisoners, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, unimpeded humanitarian access, and prevention of displacement.
"Gaza is an integral part of Palestine," the Palestinian Authority said, calling for a political process based on international legitimacy resolutions that will ensure the end of occupation and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed the concerns, posting on X: "We strongly oppose the expansion of Israel's military operations in Gaza. The level of humanitarian suffering in Gaza is unbearable."
Since launching its assault on Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023, the Israeli army has repeatedly targeted hospitals and the health care system, rendering most facilities nonfunctional, according to Palestinian and UN reports.
Out of 38 hospitals in Gaza, only 19 are still operating, albeit partially, including eight public and 11 private hospitals, the Gaza Health Ministry said. In addition, nine field hospitals provide emergency services amid the Israeli annihilation.
The Israeli army has pursued a brutal offensive against Gaza since October 2023, killing nearly 53,500 Palestinians, most of them women and children.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.
