LONDON: In a rare display of coordinated diplomacy, 25 Western countries—including the UK, France, Canada, Germany and Italy—have strongly condemned Israel over what they termed the “inhumane killing” of civilians near aid distribution centres in Gaza. The joint statement described the deaths of over 800 Palestinians since late May as a “violation of humanitarian law” and called for an immediate ceasefire and full access for aid groups.
The nations criticised the U.S.-backed humanitarian model currently in place in Gaza, saying it amounts to a “drip feed of aid that dehumanises an already traumatised population.” According to the statement, the method fails to meet basic needs and only deepens desperation among displaced residents. The signatories stressed that the continued military campaign is untenable and urged Israel to respect its obligations under international law.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy added weight to the concerns, warning that Britain may consider additional sanctions if humanitarian restrictions are not eased. “The scale of suffering in Gaza is appalling. We are deeply alarmed by the systemic targeting of civilians, including those waiting for food,” Lammy said in a televised address.
The joint statement was signed by foreign ministers of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK and the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management.
‘’We, the signatories listed below, come together with a simple, urgent message: the war in Gaza must end now.
‘’The suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths. The Israeli government’s aid delivery model is dangerous, fuels instability and deprives Gazans of human dignity.
We condemn the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food. It is horrifying that over 800 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid. The Israeli Government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable. Israel must comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law.
The hostages cruelly held captive by Hamas since 7 October 2023 continue to suffer terribly. We condemn their continued detention and call for their immediate and unconditional release. A negotiated ceasefire offers the best hope of bringing them home and ending the agony of their families.”
Israel’s Foreign Ministry responded dismissively, saying the joint declaration “ignored the real security threat posed by Hamas” and called the civilian deaths “unfortunate but unintentional.” Officials reiterated that humanitarian corridors remain open, though aid agencies report limited access and logistical chaos.
The diplomatic statement coincides with Israel’s new ground operation in Deir al‑Balah, further straining humanitarian efforts and prompting renewed UN calls for accountability. Aid groups report that 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, with famine risk rapidly increasing due to disrupted supply chains and constant shelling.
This unified diplomatic stance marks the strongest international rebuke yet in the ongoing crisis, and signals mounting pressure on Israel to reassess its military and humanitarian strategy in Gaza.
