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In a rare show of international unity, 28 countries — including major powers like the UK, Japan, and a large number of European nations — have publicly called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza, urging Israel to halt military operations and allow full humanitarian access.
The joint statement, released on Monday, is one of the most direct criticisms yet from Israel’s traditional allies. It paints a grim picture of worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza and condemns the continued loss of civilian life, especially women and children, who are struggling to access even the most basic necessities like food and clean water.
What Did the Joint Statement Say?
The message from the foreign ministers was firm and unified:
“The war in Gaza must end now.”
They labeled Israel’s current method of aid distribution as dangerous, saying it worsens the crisis by destabilizing the region and stripping Palestinians of their dignity. The ministers demanded that Israel comply with international humanitarian law, end restrictions on aid, and allow lifesaving supplies to reach Gaza.
At the same time, the statement also called on Hamas to release all hostages immediately and unconditionally, stating that a negotiated ceasefire would be the best chance to end the suffering on all sides.
Global Rejection of Displacement and Settlements
The 28 nations also condemned Israel’s alleged plans to relocate Palestinians into a so-called "concentration zone" — a heavily monitored area built on the ruins of Rafah — calling it “completely unacceptable.”
They reiterated that any form of forced displacement or territorial changes in the occupied Palestinian territories is a clear violation of international law. The joint statement also expressed strong disapproval of the increasing settlement construction in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and rising violence from settlers.
Who Signed the Statement?
Here are the countries that endorsed the call for peace:
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Out of these, nine countries already recognize Palestine as an independent state, including: Cyprus, Malta, Poland, Iceland, Sweden, Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain.
🇮🇱 Israel’s Response
Israel’s Foreign Ministry swiftly rejected the statement, calling it "disconnected from reality" and claiming it sends a dangerous message to Hamas. The Israeli government insists that Hamas is to blame for ongoing violence and that ceasefire proposals have been offered but rejected by the group.
What Is Being Blocked from Entering Gaza?
Israel continues to block the delivery of essential humanitarian items, citing concerns that Hamas may divert them for military use. Banned items include:
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Baby formula
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Food supplies
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Water filters
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Life-saving medicines
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Dialysis machines and cancer drugs
Human rights groups argue that many of these items are being wrongly classified as “dual-use” materials and warn that Gaza’s health system is on the verge of collapse. These restrictions, they say, amount to collective punishment and breach international law.
What’s Next?
As Gaza suffers through unimaginable hardships, the call from 28 countries adds mounting pressure on both Israel and Hamas. Whether this global outcry will lead to a ceasefire remains uncertain, but what’s clear is that the world is no longer willing to stay silent.
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