Countries Including UK, Spain, Italy, and France Call for Ceasefire
London. Twenty-five countries, including the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Canada, and France, have called for an “immediate” end to the war in Gaza, which is under siege by Israel. The joint declaration was published on Monday, July 21st.
Urgent Message for Ceasefire
The foreign ministers, in a statement, emphasized the urgent need to stop the war, stating that “the suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new heights.”
Criticism of Aid Distribution
The signatories criticize the “trickle-down” aid distribution and the “inhumane death of civilians, including children,” as they try to meet their basic needs. Over 800 people have reportedly died near distribution points managed by the U.S. and Israel (Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, GHF), although this has been questioned by international organizations like the UN.
The GHF began operations in late May after a total humanitarian blockade of over two months imposed by Israel. On the previous Tuesday, the UN reported counting 875 deaths since late May, with 674 near GHF sites.
Calls for Hostage Release and End to Colonization
The signatories demand the release of “cruelly detained” hostages by Hamas and express strong opposition to any initiative aimed at altering the territory or demographics in occupied Palestinian lands. They also call for an end to colonization in these territories.
UN Warns of Deteriorating Humanitarian Conditions
Antonio Guterres Condemns Deterioration
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the “rapid deterioration of humanitarian conditions” in Gaza following over 21 months of war between Israel and Hamas.
“The last lifelines keeping people alive are buckling,” warned Stephane Dujarric, Guterres’ spokesperson, in a statement, referring to livelihoods in the Palestinian territory. “The Secretary-General laments the growing reports of malnourished children and adults,” Dujarric added.
While the 25 nations demanded an end to the invasion and the UN warned of the alarming situation, Israel’s military expanded operations to the central Gaza city of Deir el Balah.
“The Secretary-General notes that hostilities have intensified in recent days while undermining, obstructing, and threatening the humanitarian system,” Dujarric said.
“A new evacuation order in parts of Deir el Balah—home to tens of thousands of people—is pushing people into more desperate conditions and increased displacement, restricting the UN’s ability to deliver vital aid,” he concluded.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who issued the call for an end to the war? Twenty-five countries, including the UK, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Canada, and France.
- What are they criticizing about the aid distribution? The “trickle-down” method and the high number of civilian deaths, including children, near distribution points managed by the U.S. and Israel.
- What is the UN’s warning about humanitarian conditions in Gaza? The UN reports a rapid deterioration of conditions, with malnourished children and adults, as livelihoods in Gaza are buckling under the strain.
- What actions is Israel taking amidst these calls? Despite the demands for a ceasefire, Israel’s military operations have expanded to the central Gaza city of Deir el Balah, further complicating humanitarian efforts.
