Global Call for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza
Twenty-five countries, including Britain, France, and several European nations, have issued a strong statement demanding that the war in Gaza "must end now." These nations also called on Israel to comply with international law. The call comes amid escalating violence and growing concerns over the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The foreign ministries of Australia, Canada, Japan, and other countries have condemned what they describe as the "drip feeding of aid" and the "inhumane killing of civilians" seeking food. This statement follows reports from the Gaza Health Ministry indicating that at least 80 people were killed by Israeli forces on Sunday as Palestinians attempted to access aid in northern Gaza.
"The suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths," said UK Foreign Minister David Lammy on X. He emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the resumption of aid deliveries. In addition to the UK, France, Australia, Canada, and Japan, the list of signatories includes Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
The joint statement criticized the Israeli government’s aid delivery model, calling it "dangerous" and claiming it fuels instability while depriving Gazans of human dignity. It also rejected proposals to relocate the Palestinian population into a so-called "humanitarian city," calling such measures a violation of international humanitarian law.
Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas are currently taking place in Qatar. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that expanding military operations in Gaza will put pressure on Hamas during negotiations. The situation remains tense, with no clear resolution in sight.
Meanwhile, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has accused Israel of firing on a crowd of Palestinians attempting to reach a food convoy in northern Gaza. The incident, described by the Gaza Health Ministry as one of the deadliest days for aid-seekers in over 21 months, resulted in the deaths of at least 80 people. The WFP condemned the violence, stating that those targeted were simply trying to feed themselves and their families.
Israel's military claimed it fired warning shots to remove an immediate threat but disputed the high death toll. The incident highlights the increasingly dangerous conditions under which humanitarian efforts are being conducted in Gaza.
Escalation in Yemen
In a separate development, Israel struck Yemen's Hodeida port, continuing its attacks on Houthi-held areas. This follows previous Israeli strikes on Hodeida earlier this month. The Houthi rebels, a militant group that claims to act in solidarity with Palestinians, have launched repeated missile and drone attacks against Israel.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the strike targeted "terror targets of the Houthi terror regime" and aimed to prevent the restoration of previously attacked infrastructure. His comments appeared to reference the recent 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, during which Israel attacked Iranian military and nuclear sites.
Ground and Air Assault in Deir al-Balah
On Monday, the Israeli military expanded its operations in Deir al-Balah, a city in central Gaza. This marks the first time since the October 7, 2023 attacks that Israel has launched a ground offensive in the area. The military had warned of imminent action against Hamas fighters in the region and issued evacuation orders to residents.
The Israeli army stated that it is intensifying its efforts to eliminate terrorists and dismantle infrastructure. It 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 it was targeting Hamas facilities.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that the mass displacement order dealt "yet another devastating blow" to the Gaza Strip. Initial estimates suggest that between 50,000 and 80,000 people were affected, including many sheltering in displacement sites.
As the conflict continues, the international community remains divided on how to address the crisis. While some countries demand an immediate ceasefire, others support Israel's right to defend itself. The situation in Gaza shows no signs of improvement, with both sides entrenched in their positions.
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