25 nations, including 20 EU states, call for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

A coalition of 25 countries, among them 20 European Union member states, has jointly called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza amid escalating humanitarian concerns.

The statement, issued by foreign ministers and the European Commissioner for Crisis Management, condemns Israel’s current approach to humanitarian aid delivery as dangerous and degrading to Palestinian civilians.

The coalition expressed deep alarm over the worsening crisis, criticizing what they termed as “drip-feeding” of aid that hampers essential support and increases civilian suffering. They highlighted the tragic death toll, noting that over 800 Palestinians have been killed in attempts to access aid, and condemned Israel’s obstruction of humanitarian assistance as unacceptable and a violation of international law.

While emphasizing the need to end civilian suffering, the group also condemned the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas and the abduction of Israeli civilians. The ministers called for the immediate release of all hostages and reaffirmed that negotiations and a ceasefire remain the most viable options for de-escalation and peace.

Endorsed by the foreign ministers of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, along with the European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management, the statement underscores the international community’s call for urgent action to prevent further civilian casualties and restore stability in the region.