Gaza war must end, declared 28 countries—including the UK, Japan, Canada, and Australia—in a joint statement Monday. Their message reflected growing outrage over Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe and urged an immediate ceasefire.
These countries condemned the killing of civilians, especially children seeking food and water. They also criticized Israel’s restricted aid delivery, calling it dangerous and degrading to human dignity.
Civilian Suffering Sparks Global Alarm
The statement described as “horrifying” the deaths of over 800 Palestinians during recent aid-seeking incidents. The U.N. and Gaza’s Health Ministry reported the figures. Foreign ministers demanded full compliance with international humanitarian law.
They warned that limiting humanitarian assistance would only worsen instability in the region and deepen Gaza’s suffering.
Israel and US Push Back
Israel rejected the statement, calling it “disconnected from reality.” The Foreign Ministry blamed Hamas for prolonging the war by refusing ceasefire deals.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee went further, describing the statement as “disgusting.” He urged world leaders to pressure Hamas instead of criticizing Israel.
Germany didn’t sign the joint statement but voiced concern through separate diplomatic efforts.
Gaza Faces Worsening Humanitarian Conditions
More than 2 million Palestinians in Gaza now rely almost entirely on aid. Roughly 90% of the population has been displaced, with many forced to flee multiple times.
Israel channels most aid through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which it supports. However, health officials and eyewitnesses reported that Israeli forces shot civilians approaching aid points. The military claimed it only used warning shots.
As the war continues, international legal pressure on Israel increases. The International Criminal Court recently issued an arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Allies Increase Diplomatic Pressure
This is not the first time allies have warned Israel. In May, the UK, France, and Canada urged Israel to halt military operations or face “concrete actions.” However, Israel has ignored those appeals.
The latest joint statement reiterated a firm stance: the Gaza war must end immediately. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy told Parliament, “The next ceasefire must be the last ceasefire.”
He praised U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian mediation efforts while emphasizing that military options cannot resolve the conflict.
Global Leaders Demand a Breakthrough
Australian Minister Tony Burke also condemned the war. Speaking to ABC, he said the destruction in Gaza was “indefensible.” He added that the hostages must be released and the fighting must stop.
Negotiators have yet to reach a breakthrough. Despite ongoing talks, no ceasefire appears imminent. Netanyahu remains firm on continuing the war until Hamas is defeated and all hostages return.
Origin of the Conflict
Hamas launched the war on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people in Israel and taking 251 hostages. Fifty hostages remain in Gaza, though fewer than half are believed to be alive.
Israel’s offensive has since killed more than 59,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Although tied to Hamas, the ministry’s casualty figures remain the most reliable data source for the U.N. and global organizations.
