(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) PARIS, Aug 12 (KUNA) -- Twenty-seven partner countries on Tuesday released a joint statement expressing their deep concerns about the "unimaginable level" of suffering going on in Gaza, stressing that famine is unfolding before the international community's eyes in midst of restrictions preventing NGOs and other humanitarian organization to deliver.
The restrictive new registration requirements, the statement continued, may force international NGOs to leave Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) imminently, which will worsen the situation in Gaza.
The statement called on the Israeli occupation government to allow all international NGO aid shipments and to unblock essential humanitarian actors to operate freely and that "Immediate, permanent and concrete steps must be taken to facilitate safe, large-scale access for the UN, international NGOs and humanitarian partners".
All crossings and routes must be used to allow a flood of aid into Gaza, including food, nutrition supplies, shelter, fuel, clean water, medicine and medical equipment. Lethal force must not be used at distribution sites, and civilians, humanitarians and medical workers must be protected, the statement continued.
The partnering countries also expressed gratitude towards the US, Qatar and Egypt for their efforts in pushing for a ceasefire and pursuing peace, "We need a ceasefire that can end the war, for hostages to be released and aid to enter Gaza by land unhindered".
This statement was signed by, the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.
As well as The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean and the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management. (end)
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