European Leaders Urge End to Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

The leaders of Britain, France, and Germany jointly declared on Friday that the “humanitarian catastrophe” unfolding in the Gaza Strip “must end immediately,” highlighting the escalating crisis in the war-torn Palestinian territory.

In a shared statement issued by Berlin, they urged the Israeli government to promptly remove obstacles to the delivery of aid and to facilitate the unimpeded work of the UN and humanitarian organizations to combat starvation.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that the fundamental requirements of the civilian population, including access to clean water and sustenance, must be addressed without further hesitation.

They asserted that impeding vital humanitarian assistance to civilians is unacceptable and underscored Israel’s obligation to uphold international humanitarian law.

This week, over 100 aid and human rights organizations cautioned that “mass starvation” is rapidly spreading throughout Gaza after more than 21 months of conflict.

Israel has refuted claims that it bears responsibility for the worsening crisis in Gaza, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has described as “man-made”.

Israel imposed an aid blockade on the Gaza Strip in March, easing it only partially two months later while marginalizing the established UN-led distribution network.

The European leaders further stressed that the moment has arrived to cease hostilities in Gaza.

They appealed to all involved parties to bring the conflict to a close by enacting an immediate ceasefire.

They affirmed their readiness to undertake additional measures to facilitate an immediate ceasefire and a political process that fosters enduring security and peace for Israelis, Palestinians, and the broader region.

Earlier, Starmer announced plans to convene an “emergency call” on Gaza with Macron and Merz on Friday.

The conflict was initiated by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas with its attack in Israel on October 7, 2023.

The Hamas incursion led to the loss of 1,219 lives, predominantly civilians, as per an AFP tally derived from official figures.

The Israeli military operation in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of 59,676 Palestinians to date, primarily civilians, according to the territory’s health ministry.

Of the 251 individuals taken hostage during the assault, 49 remain in captivity in Gaza, with 27 presumed dead, according to the Israeli military.