UK France and 23 other countries say the war in Gaza ‘must end now’.

London (AP) — On Monday, twenty-five countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and several European nations, issued a joint statement stating that the war in Gaza “must end now” and that Israel must comply with international law.

Foreign ministers from Australia, Canada, and Japan have declared that “the suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths” and condemned “the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food.”

“The Israeli government’s aid delivery model is dangerous, fuels instability and deprives Gazans of human dignity,” a news release states. “The Israeli government’s refusal to provide essential humanitarian aid to civilians is unacceptable.

“Israel must comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law,” it stated. The signatories included the foreign ministers of approximately 20 European countries, as well as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and the EU commissioner for equality, preparedness, and crisis management.

The United States and Germany did not sign the statement.

The signatories called for an immediate ceasefire and stated that they are willing to take action to support a political path to peace in the region.

Gaza’s population of over 2 million Palestinians is facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, relying heavily on the limited aid allowed into the territory.

Many people have experienced multiple displacements. Hamas started the war when militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people and kidnapping 251 others. Fifty people remain in Gaza, but fewer than half are believed to be alive.

The Gaza Health Ministry reports that Israel’s military offensive has killed over 59,000 Palestinians. Its count does not distinguish between militants and civilians, but the ministry reports that more than half of those killed are women and children.

Although the ministry is part of Hamas’ government, the United Nations and other international organisations regard it as the most reliable source of casualty data. Israel and Hamas have been holding cease-fire talks in Qatar.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that expanding Israel’s military operations in Gaza will put pressure on Hamas during negotiations.

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