25 Countries Demand Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza
A significant number of countries, including Britain, France, and several European nations, have called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza. These nations have urged Israel to comply with international law, emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire. The foreign ministries of Australia, Canada, and Japan have also condemned the slow delivery of aid and the inhumane treatment of civilians seeking food.
The statement follows reports that at least 80 people were killed on Sunday as Israeli forces opened fire on a crowd of Palestinians attempting to access aid in northern Gaza. The Health Ministry in Gaza confirmed the casualties, highlighting the dire situation faced by civilians in the region.
UK Foreign Minister David Lammy expressed concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis, stating, “The suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths.” He called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and a full resumption of aid deliveries.
In addition to the UK, France, Australia, Canada, and Japan, the foreign ministries of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland have all signed the statement. The collective message from these nations underscores the growing international pressure on Israel to halt its military operations in Gaza.
“The Israeli government’s aid delivery model is dangerous, fuels instability, and deprives Gazans of human dignity,” the statement read. It also criticized proposals to relocate the Palestinian population into a “humanitarian city,” calling such actions a violation of international humanitarian law.
Ceasefire Talks and Escalating Violence
Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas are ongoing in Qatar. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that expanding military operations in Gaza will put pressure on Hamas during negotiations. However, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with aid groups reporting some of the deadliest days for Gazans seeking assistance.
The UN food agency has accused Israel of using tanks and snipers to fire on a crowd of Palestinians attempting to reach a convoy of trucks carrying food. The World Food Program (WFP) condemned the violence that erupted in northern Gaza, stating that the incident resulted in “countless lives” lost and many more suffering life-threatening injuries.
“The people were simply trying to access food to feed themselves and their families on the brink of starvation,” the WFP said. The Health Ministry in Gaza reported at least 80 deaths in the incident, while the Israeli military claimed it fired warning shots to remove an immediate threat, disputing the high death toll.
Israel Strikes Hodeida Port in Yemen
In a separate development, Israel has launched attacks on Yemen’s Hodeida port, continuing its military operations against Houthi-held areas. This comes amid repeated missile and drone attacks from Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who claim to act in solidarity with Palestinians.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the military struck terror targets at the Hodeida port, aiming to prevent any attempts to restore previously attacked infrastructure. He also made a reference to the recent conflict between Israel and Iran, saying, “Yemen’s fate will be the same as Tehran’s.”
Ground and Air Assault on Deir al-Balah
Israel has expanded its military operations in central Gaza, launching a ground offensive in the city of Deir al-Balah. This marks the first time since October 7, 2023, that Israel has conducted a ground assault in the area. The Israeli military warned of imminent action against Hamas fighters in the region and issued evacuation orders to residents.
The army stated that it is operating with intensity to eliminate terrorists and dismantle infrastructure. It also urged residents to evacuate southward toward Al-Mawasi, a designated “humanitarian zone” earlier in the war. However, Israel has attacked Al-Mawasi multiple times, claiming to target Hamas facilities.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that the mass displacement order has dealt another devastating blow to the Gaza Strip. Initial estimates suggest between 50,000 and 80,000 people were affected, including 30,000 sheltering in displacement sites.
As the conflict continues, the international community remains under pressure to find a resolution to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. With each passing day, the humanitarian situation worsens, and the call for an immediate ceasefire grows louder.
