European Leaders Urge Israel to Allow Immediate Aid into Gaza Amid Humanitarian Crisis
Seven European nations call for an end to hostilities and access for humanitarian aid as starvation looms in Gaza.
DUBLIN — The leaders of seven European countries issued a stark warning on Friday regarding the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where thousands could face starvation unless immediate aid is permitted.
The joint statement, released by the heads of state from Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that Israel must lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid and cease its ongoing military operations in the region.
The appeal follows a recent alert by the U.N. World Food Programme, which reported that approximately 470,000 residents of Gaza are currently facing catastrophic hunger.
The report highlighted that over 116,000 metric tons of food aid have been blocked since Israel intensified its actions on March 2, contributing to this looming crisis.
In their statement, the European leaders voiced collective condemnation of the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza, with over 50,000 casualties recorded.
They insisted that without immediate intervention, the situation could worsen significantly in the days to come.
As tensions continue to escalate, Israel has maintained its position, arguing that it is necessary to create secure pathways for aid that prevent supplies from being commandeered by Hamas.
Reports indicate that Israel is working on establishing new aid delivery centers under military oversight to ensure the safe distribution of humanitarian assistance.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has expressed that this approach, backed by the U.S., is aimed at eliminating the potential for Hamas to benefit from such aid.
The appeal from the European leaders also addressed broader concerns regarding Israel's military policies in the region.
They cited increased incidents of settler violence, the expansion of settlements deemed illegal under international law, and heightened military actions against Palestinian communities as factors contributing to the deteriorating conditions for Palestinians, both in Gaza and parts of the West Bank.
The leaders asserted that any forced displacement or attempts at demographic changes affecting the Palestinian population would violate international law.
Notably, they referred to a shift in their respective countries' recognition of Palestinian statehood, which had previously elicited a diplomatic backlash from Israel, including the shuttering of its embassy in Dublin and the expulsion of diplomats from Norway.
In related developments, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has criticized recent Israeli military operations and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
He articulated a need for humanitarian assistance to reach Gaza, advocating for a future resolution based on a two-state solution.
Tajani's remarks came after a series of escalated attacks on the Gaza Strip and as he met with various political and diplomatic figures discussing the conflict.
Simultaneously, a humanitarian mission named 'Gaza Beyond the Border' is underway, with various representatives attempting to deliver aid through the Rafah crossing.
Participants in this initiative have condemned the perceived inaction of international institutions and called for urgent engagement to ensure the civilians in Gaza receive the necessary support amidst the ongoing crisis.
The joint statement, released by the heads of state from Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that Israel must lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid and cease its ongoing military operations in the region.
The appeal follows a recent alert by the U.N. World Food Programme, which reported that approximately 470,000 residents of Gaza are currently facing catastrophic hunger.
The report highlighted that over 116,000 metric tons of food aid have been blocked since Israel intensified its actions on March 2, contributing to this looming crisis.
In their statement, the European leaders voiced collective condemnation of the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza, with over 50,000 casualties recorded.
They insisted that without immediate intervention, the situation could worsen significantly in the days to come.
As tensions continue to escalate, Israel has maintained its position, arguing that it is necessary to create secure pathways for aid that prevent supplies from being commandeered by Hamas.
Reports indicate that Israel is working on establishing new aid delivery centers under military oversight to ensure the safe distribution of humanitarian assistance.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has expressed that this approach, backed by the U.S., is aimed at eliminating the potential for Hamas to benefit from such aid.
The appeal from the European leaders also addressed broader concerns regarding Israel's military policies in the region.
They cited increased incidents of settler violence, the expansion of settlements deemed illegal under international law, and heightened military actions against Palestinian communities as factors contributing to the deteriorating conditions for Palestinians, both in Gaza and parts of the West Bank.
The leaders asserted that any forced displacement or attempts at demographic changes affecting the Palestinian population would violate international law.
Notably, they referred to a shift in their respective countries' recognition of Palestinian statehood, which had previously elicited a diplomatic backlash from Israel, including the shuttering of its embassy in Dublin and the expulsion of diplomats from Norway.
In related developments, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has criticized recent Israeli military operations and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
He articulated a need for humanitarian assistance to reach Gaza, advocating for a future resolution based on a two-state solution.
Tajani's remarks came after a series of escalated attacks on the Gaza Strip and as he met with various political and diplomatic figures discussing the conflict.
Simultaneously, a humanitarian mission named 'Gaza Beyond the Border' is underway, with various representatives attempting to deliver aid through the Rafah crossing.
Participants in this initiative have condemned the perceived inaction of international institutions and called for urgent engagement to ensure the civilians in Gaza receive the necessary support amidst the ongoing crisis.
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