International Coalition Urges Israel to Lift Aid Restrictions in Gaza
A coalition of 24 countries, including 19 EU member states, has called on Israel to remove restrictive aid regulations in Gaza, warning of a worsening humanitarian crisis.
A coalition of 24 countries, including 19 European Union member states, has issued a joint statement urging Israel to lift restrictive aid regulations in Gaza, warning that the humanitarian crisis has reached "unimaginable levels" and that famine is unfolding. The statement emphasizes the need for immediate action to halt and reverse starvation, asserting that humanitarian aid should never be politicized.
The signatories express concern that new registration requirements imposed by Israel could force essential international NGOs to cease operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, further exacerbating the humanitarian situation. They call on the Israeli government to authorize all international NGO aid shipments and to unblock essential humanitarian actors from operating. Immediate, permanent, and concrete steps are urged to facilitate safe, large-scale access for the UN, international NGOs, and humanitarian partners.
The statement also underscores that lethal force must not be used at aid distribution sites, and that civilians, humanitarians, and medical workers must be protected.
Notably, the foreign ministers of Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Poland, and Romania did not sign the statement.
This appeal follows reports of Palestinians being shot while attempting to access aid, highlighting the urgent need for unimpeded humanitarian assistance in Gaza.