We recognize that aid is slowly resuming, but Israel blocked humanitarian aid to Gaza for over two months. Essential supplies are depleted, threatening starvation. Aid must reach Gazas people urgently.
Before the blockade, the UN and NGOs delivered aid under challenging conditions imposed by Israel, maintaining humanitarian principles of neutrality and impartiality. These organizations have the expertise and capacity to assist those most in need across Gaza.
Israels new aid delivery model is not supported by the UN and partners, as it fails to respect humanitarian principles. Such models risk aid workers safety and politicize humanitarian efforts. Aid must remain impartial, without demographic alterations in Palestinian territories.
We urge Israel to resume aid flow to Gaza immediately and allow independent operations by the UN and NGOs to alleviate suffering. We emphasize the need for Hamas to release hostages and facilitate unhindered aid distribution. A ceasefire and a two-state solution are essential for regional peace and security.
This statement is endorsed by:
Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the UK.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, and the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean.