ALBAWABA- In a joint statement, the United Kingdom and 25 other nations have called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza, warning that the scale of civilian suffering has become “unprecedented.”
The joint statement by 26 countries including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Spain, and the UK, calls for an immediate end to the Gaza war, a ceasefire, lifting aid restrictions, and Israel's compliance with international law to protect civilians and enable humanitarian access.
The declaration condemned Israel's handling of humanitarian aid, describing its model of distribution as “dangerous” and a source of further instability.
The statement sharply criticized Israel’s denial of basic humanitarian assistance, labeling it unacceptable and in violation of international humanitarian law.
It also rejected any proposal to relocate Palestinians to so-called “humanitarian cities,” warning that any permanent forced displacement would constitute a grave breach of international legal standards.
Of particular outrage was the killing of more than 800 Palestinians while attempting to access aid, which the signatories called “appalling.”
The statement reflects growing global condemnation of the Israeli military’s conduct in Gaza and its impact on the civilian population.
Hamas welcomed the statement, saying it confirms international recognition of Israel’s "widespread violations" and denounced the aid distribution system jointly overseen by the United States and Israel as brutal and criminal.
Hamas also urged the signatories to translate their words into concrete action to end the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry swiftly rejected the joint statement, claiming it was "disconnected from reality" and would embolden Hamas.
Israel rejects the joint statement published by a group of countries, as it is disconnected from reality and sends the wrong message to Hamas.
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) July 21, 2025
All statements and all claims should be directed at the only party responsible for the lack of a deal for the release of hostages and a…
However, officials from several countries defended the declaration. Norway’s Foreign Minister described the suffering in Gaza as “totally unacceptable,” while Ireland’s Foreign Minister called for the immediate lifting of Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid.
Meanwhile, Gaza is plunging deeper into famine. According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health Director General, Dr. Munir al-Borsh, 19 people died of hunger within just 24 hours due to the ongoing Israeli blockade.
In the same period, at least 95 civilians were killed by Israeli gunfire while attempting to receive food at aid distribution centers.
