Spain and 19 other countries demanded an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip on Monday, where “the suffering of the civilian population has reached new levels,” and condemned the Israeli system of humanitarian aid distribution, which they described as “dangerous,” following the deaths of more than 800 Palestinians trying to access supplies.
“The aid model adopted by the Israeli government is dangerous, fuels instability, and deprives Gazans of their dignity. We condemn the limited delivery of assistance and the inhumane killings of civilians, including children, who are only seeking water and food,” the joint statement says. “Israel’s refusal to allow access to essential aid is unacceptable,” it adds.
The signatories demanded that Israel comply with International Humanitarian Law, and called for the immediate lifting of restrictions on the flow of aid, as well as guarantees of safe and effective access for the UN and non-governmental organizations.
Likewise, they categorically rejected proposals to relocate the Palestinian population to a supposed “humanitarian city,” considering that permanent forced displacement constitutes a violation of international law. “We strongly oppose any initiative that promotes territorial or demographic alterations in the occupied Palestinian territories,” they added.
Countries also denounced the new settlement plan announced by the Israeli government, which, they emphasized, would divide the future Palestinian state in two, in flagrant violation of International Law and to the detriment of the two-state solution. They also warned that settlement construction in the West Bank has intensified and that violence by settlers against Palestinians has escalated.
Regarding the hostages captured by Hamas during the attack on October 7, 2023, the ministers pointed out that they “continue to suffer in a cruel way” and demanded their release. They stated that a negotiated ceasefire represents “the best hope to bring them home and alleviate the pain of their families.”
The group of countries called on all parties to protect the civilian population and comply with International Humanitarian Law, urging a joint effort to stop the conflict through an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent” ceasefire. “Nothing justifies further bloodshed,” they concluded.
“We are prepared to take new measures that support a ceasefire and a political solution leading to peace and security for Israelis, Palestinians, and the entire region,” stated at the conclusion of the text, signed by the European Commissioner for Equality, Hadja Lahbib, and the Foreign Ministers of Spain, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Hours later, the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) celebrated the content of the declaration, which they considered “an additional international recognition of the magnitude of the crimes committed by the fascist occupying government,” as reported by the newspaper ‘Filastin’, linked to the group.
“We urge the signatory states to translate their words into concrete actions that put an end to this humanitarian tragedy, exert direct and effective pressure to stop the war against our people, and ensure the immediate flow of aid,” added the movement.
The Israeli offensive on Gaza —launched after the attacks on October 7, which left about 1,200 dead and nearly 250 kidnapped, according to Israeli data— has caused over 59,000 Palestinian deaths, according to authorities in the enclave controlled by Hamas. It is not ruled out that the actual number may be even higher.