Over 25 Nations Denounce Israel’s Genocide in Gaza

(MENAFN) More than 25 nations, including the UK, Australia, Japan, and the European Union, jointly denounced Israel’s deadly actions against civilians in Gaza on Monday, urging an immediate cessation of hostilities in the blockaded region.

In a collective declaration, foreign ministers from 25 countries along with EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib emphasized that civilian suffering in Gaza has plunged to unprecedented levels.

They criticized Israel’s method of aid distribution as dangerous, accusing it of exacerbating instability and stripping Gazans of their human dignity.

The statement declared, "We condemn the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food."

Highlighting the tragic deaths of over 800 Palestinians attempting to access aid since the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation began operations in late May, the group labeled these losses as "horrifying." They condemned Israel’s refusal to permit essential humanitarian assistance to civilians as "unacceptable."

"Israel must comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law," the statement asserted. Signatories include the foreign ministers of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the EU commissioner.

The statement also strongly denounced the detention of hostages, demanding their "immediate and unconditional release." Hamas reportedly captured approximately 250 Israeli hostages during its October 7, 2023 attack, with around 20 still believed to be alive.

"We call on the Israeli government to immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid and to urgently enable the UN and humanitarian NGOs to do their life saving work safely and effectively."

The coalition urged all parties to safeguard civilians and respect international humanitarian law. It condemned proposals to relocate Palestinians to a so-called "humanitarian city," calling such plans "completely unacceptable."

"Permanent forced displacement is a violation of international humanitarian law. We strongly oppose any steps towards territorial or demographic change in the Occupied Palestinian Territories."

The statement concluded by reaffirming unwavering support for ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the US, Qatar, and Egypt aimed at securing an immediate, unconditional, and lasting ceasefire.

MENAFN22072025000045017169ID1109829967