GAZA, (Palestine Foundation Information Center) Foreign ministers from around 27 countries have declared that the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip has reached “unimaginable levels,” urging Israel to allow all aid trucks into the besieged territory.
This came in a joint statement signed by 27 partners, including the UK, Australia, Canada, France, Japan, and the European Union, with the notable exception of Germany.
“We are witnessing famine unfold before our eyes. Urgent action is needed to end the hunger,” the statement read, as published by the UK. It further called on the Israeli government “to allow the entry of all international aid shipments for NGOs and to refrain from obstructing the work of key actors in the aid sector.”
Since the start of Israel’s war of extermination against Gaza on October 7, 2023, EU states have been divided on their stance. While countries like Germany have repeatedly affirmed “Israel’s right to self-defense” under international law, others, such as Spain, have condemned what they call genocide against Palestinians.
However, Berlin signaled a major shift on Friday, announcing the suspension of arms exports that could be used by Israel in its war. A similar change emerged within the European Commission itself: in an interview with Politico this week, Commission Vice President Teresa Ribera stated that the situation in Gaza “very much resembles genocide.”
The United Nations maintains that Gaza requires hundreds of aid trucks daily to end the famine caused by Israel’s blockade and ongoing military campaign, which has now entered its 22nd month.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization has repeatedly called for the immediate reopening of Gaza’s border crossings and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance, stressing that saving civilian lives in Gaza requires urgent international action.
Although Israel has, in recent weeks, allowed dozens of aid trucks per day to enter Gaza, after intense international criticism for its complete blockade since March 2, it has facilitated and provided protection for the looting of these supplies once inside.
