UK Joins Global Call for Immediate End to Gaza War

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Twenty-eight countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, and several European allies, have issued a joint statement calling for an immediate end to the war in Gaza. The coordinated message, released on Monday, reflects growing global concern over the deepening humanitarian crisis and increasing civilian death toll, as Israel faces heightened international scrutiny.

The statement, signed by foreign ministers from nations including Australia and France, condemned the slow and restricted flow of aid into Gaza. It criticized Israel’s current model of humanitarian assistance as “dangerous,” adding that it deprives civilians of basic dignity. It also referenced recent deaths of over 800 Palestinians who were trying to access food aid, citing figures from Gaza’s Health Ministry and the United Nations (UN) human rights office.

Mounting Concern

The joint declaration marked a significant shift in tone from some of Israel’s traditional allies. It denounced the killing of civilians, including children, and called for Israel to comply with international humanitarian law. The statement urged Israel to end restrictions on aid and emphasized that countries are ready to support a political pathway toward peace.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry swiftly rejected the criticism, calling the joint statement “disconnected from reality.” Spokesman Oren Marmorstein wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that the real blame lies with Hamas, which he said is responsible for prolonging the war by rejecting ceasefire proposals.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee went further, labeling the statement “disgusting” and claiming it wrongly shifts blame away from Hamas. Though not among the signatories, Germany expressed separate concern, with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul urging Israel to open more access for humanitarian relief.

As the war grinds on, Gaza’s civilian population continues to suffer. According to the UN, over 90 percent of Gaza’s 2 million residents have been displaced, many of them multiple times. Israel says it has allowed sufficient aid into the region, but critics argue the amount is nowhere near enough to meet basic needs. Witnesses and health officials say Israeli troops have opened fire on Palestinians approaching aid sites. The military claims only warning shots have been used, but hundreds of deaths have been reported.

Since May, most food aid has been funneled through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S.-based organization operating with Israeli support. However, the situation remains volatile, and delivery is both limited and dangerous. The Health Ministry in Gaza reports over 59,000 deaths since the conflict began, with more than half being women and children. Though part of the Hamas-run government, the ministry is considered a reliable source by international organizations.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy told Parliament that the current ceasefire talks must produce lasting peace. “There is no military solution,” Lammy said, thanking Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. for their diplomatic efforts. Labour MP Sarah Champion also said the UK should apply more pressure on Israel to increase aid and protect civilians.

The conflict was triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, assault on southern Israel, which killed around 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages. About 50 are still believed to be held in Gaza, though fewer than half are thought to be alive.