Foreign ministers from 25 countries, including major European nations, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, issued a joint statement urging an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This call for peace comes as the region faces a deepening humanitarian crisis, with widespread condemnation of the ongoing conflict and its devastating impact on civilians.
A Unified Call for Peace
The joint statement, endorsed by around 20 European countries, including France, Belgium, and the United Kingdom, alongside the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, demands an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The signatories expressed deep concern over the “suffering of civilians in Gaza,” describing it as having “reached new depths.” They condemned the “drip feeding of aid” and the “inhumane killing of civilians, including children,” as they struggle to access basic necessities like food and water.
The statement also criticized Israel’s aid delivery model, calling it “dangerous” and accusing it of fueling instability while depriving Gazans of human dignity. The ministers emphasized that Israel must comply with international humanitarian law and allow unimpeded access to humanitarian aid to address the crisis. Notably, the United States and Germany did not sign the statement, highlighting a divergence among Israel’s traditional allies.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The Israel-Hamas conflict, reignited by Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has led to catastrophic consequences for Gaza’s population. According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, over 59,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children, have been killed, with the figures not distinguishing between civilians and combatants. The Israeli military reports 850 of its soldiers have died since the conflict began.
The humanitarian situation has deteriorated significantly, with Gaza on the brink of famine. The joint statement highlighted the dire conditions, noting that over 800 civilians have been killed near aid distribution sites, many managed by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). This organization took over aid distribution after Israel banned the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in January 2025, citing alleged ties to Hamas. Critics, including established aid groups, have described the GHF’s delivery methods as inadequate, leading to deadly crowd crushes and incidents involving Israeli forces or security contractors opening fire near aid seekers.
International Response and Ceasefire Talks
The call for a ceasefire reflects growing international frustration with the ongoing conflict. The 25 countries, including Japan, Australia, and Canada, expressed readiness to take further action to support a political pathway to peace for Israelis, Palestinians, and the broader region. This statement marks a significant shift, as it deepens Israel’s isolation 21 months into the war, which has sparked global protests and an international arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Qatar, have so far yielded no concrete results. Netanyahu has maintained that expanding military operations in Gaza will pressure Hamas into agreeing to a deal, a stance that has drawn criticism from the signatories. Hamas, meanwhile, has accused Israel of “systematic ethnic cleansing” and using starvation as a tool of genocide, further complicating negotiations.
Broader Implications for the Region
The joint statement also addressed concerns about territorial changes in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, with the signatories strongly opposing any moves that could undermine a two-state solution. The EU, a key signatory, has been vocal about the need for a political resolution, with leaders like Hadja Lahbib emphasizing that only an immediate ceasefire can end the suffering in Gaza.
The absence of the US and Germany from the statement underscores the challenges in achieving a unified international approach. While the EU has previously called for humanitarian pauses and sustainable ceasefires, this latest statement is more forceful, reflecting growing alarm over the humanitarian catastrophe. The EU’s review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which found indications of human rights breaches by Israel, further complicates relations with one of its largest trade partners.
Public Sentiment and Global Reactions
Posts on X reflect a mix of support and skepticism regarding the ceasefire call. Some users praised the 25 nations for their stance, emphasizing the urgent need to address Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Others, however, argued that Hamas must surrender for peace to be achieved, highlighting the polarized nature of the discourse. These sentiments underscore the complexity of the conflict and the challenges in reaching a consensus.
Humanitarian crisis worsens
The joint statement by 25 countries marks a critical moment in the Israel-Hamas conflict, signaling a growing international demand for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. As the humanitarian crisis worsens, with famine looming and civilian deaths mounting, the call for Israel to comply with international law and allow unimpeded aid access has taken on new urgency. While ceasefire talks remain stalled, the pressure from these nations, coupled with their commitment to pursue a political pathway to peace, could pave the way for renewed diplomatic efforts. The world watches closely as Gaza’s future hangs in the balance.
