UK, Canada and 23 other countries slam Israel over Gaza, say war ‘must end now'
The foreign ministers of countries also including Australia and Canada said 'the suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths.' They condemned 'the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food.'
The statement described as 'horrifying' the recent deaths of over 800 Palestinians who were seeking aid, according to the figures released by Gaza's Health Ministry and the U.N. human rights office.
'The Israeli government's aid delivery model is dangerous, fuels instability and deprives Gazans of human dignity,' the countries said. 'The Israeli government's denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable. Israel must comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law.'
Notably absent from the new statement were the U.S. and Germany, with U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee lashing out at the declaration.
"Disgusting! 25 nations put pressure on Israel instead of savages of Hamas! Gaza suffers for 1 reason: Hamas rejects EVERY proposal. Blaming Israel is irrational," he wrote on X.
Germany's foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, wrote on X that he spoke with Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar on Monday and expressed the 'greatest concern about the catastrophic humanitarian situation' in Gaza as Israel's offensive widens. He called on Israel to implement agreements with the EU to enable humanitarian aid.
Gaza's population of more than 2 million Palestinians is in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, now relying largely on the limited aid allowed into the territory. Many people have been displaced multiple times.
Most of the food supplies Israel has allowed into Gaza go to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an American group backed by Israel. Since its operations began in May, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in shootings by Israeli soldiers while heading to the sites, according to witnesses and health officials.
Israel's 21 months of war with Hamas have pushed Gaza to the brink of famine, sparked worldwide protests and led to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Allies' criticism about Israel's actions has had little clear effect. In May, Britain, France and Canada issued a joint statement urging Netanyahu's government to stop its military operations in Gaza and threatening 'concrete actions' if it didn't.
Israel rejects criticism of its wartime conduct, saying its forces have acted lawfully and blaming civilian deaths on Hamas because the militants operate in populated areas. It says it has allowed enough food in to sustain Gaza and accuses Hamas of siphoning off much of it. The United Nations says there is no evidence for widespread diversion of humanitarian aid.
The new joint statement called for an immediate ceasefire, saying countries are prepared to take action to support a political pathway to peace in the region.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Guardian
20 minutes ago
- South Wales Guardian
Minister rejects calls for UK to recognise Palestinian state immediately
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle insisted Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wants sovereignty agreed 'more than anyone' but said the status must be reached as part of a political process. It comes amid calls from both opposition critics and Labour ranks for the Government to support statehood after France became the biggest and most powerful European country to recognise Palestine. Speaking to broadcasters on Friday, Mr Kyle said the road to sovereignty was 'in the gift of Palestine and Israel' through ceasefire negotiations, adding that Britain's immediate focus was on helping to restore aid to Gaza. 'Keir Starmer wants this more than anyone else, but believes it is a crucial step towards delivering the peace and security into the future, and needs to be a negotiated peace within the region itself. It can't be forced,' he told Sky News. 'We want Palestinian statehood. We desire it, and we want to make sure the circumstances can exist where that kind of long-term political solution can have the space to evolve and make sure that it can become a permanent circumstance that can bring peace to the entire region. 'But right now, today, we've got to focus on what will ease the suffering, and it is extreme, unwarranted suffering in Gaza that has to be the priority for us today.' Downing Street has faced growing pressure over its stance on Palestinian statehood since French President Emmanuel Macron made his country the first G7 nation to recognise sovereignty. He said he would formalise the move at the UN General Assembly in September. Sir Keir has condemned the 'unspeakable and indefensible' conditions in Gaza ahead of an emergency call with Mr Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday, but stopped short of following suit. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the UK 'should be leading on this, not falling behind' while London's Labour Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has also called for immediate recognition. Emily Thornberry, Labour MP and chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said most of its members back the move, and the Trades Union Congress have called for formal recognition of Palestine 'now'. Some ministers have signalled a desire for hastened action, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting calling for recognition 'while there's still a state of Palestine left to recognise'. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the Government wants to recognise a Palestinian state 'in contribution to a peace process'. She told The Times: 'A lot of people would argue that recognition on its own has a symbolic value that could send a strong message to the Israeli government.' Sir Keir said on Thursday: 'We are clear that statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people. 'A ceasefire will put us on a path to the recognition of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution which guarantees peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis.' Charities operating in Gaza have said Israel's blockade and ongoing military offensive are pushing people there towards starvation, warning that they are seeing their own workers and Palestinians 'waste away'. Israel says it allows enough aid into the territory and faults delivery efforts by UN agencies, which say they are hindered by Israeli restrictions and the breakdown of security. The Prime Minister said: 'The suffering and starvation unfolding in Gaza is unspeakable and indefensible. 'While the situation has been grave for some time, it has reached new depths and continues to worsen. We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe.' He said it is 'hard to see a hopeful future in such dark times' but called again for all sides to engage 'in good faith, and at pace' on a ceasefire and the release of all hostages. 'We strongly support the efforts of the US, Qatar and Egypt to secure this,' he said. Sir Keir will meet US President Donald Trump during his five-day private trip to Scotland, due to kick off on Friday. US-led peace talks in Qatar were cut short on Thursday, with Washington's special envoy Steve Witkoff accusing Hamas of a 'lack of desire to reach a ceasefire'. The deal under discussion is expected to include a 60-day ceasefire in which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others in phases in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Aid supplies would be ramped up and the two sides would hold negotiations on a lasting truce. Hamas-led militants based in Gaza abducted 251 people in the October 7 attack in 2023 that triggered the war and killed about 1,200 people. Fewer than half of the 50 hostages still in Gaza are believed to be alive. Israel's war in Gaza has killed more than 59,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. It does not distinguish between militants and civilians.
Scottish Sun
20 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
US blasts ‘reckless' Macron as France is first G7 nation to recognise Palestine state – in ‘face slap' to Oct 7 victims
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AMERICA has hit out at Emmanuel Macron for being "reckless" after he announced France will officially recognise a Palestinian state. The White House described President Macron's controversial decision as a "slap in the face to the victims of October 7". Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 The US has hit out at Emmanuel Macron for being 'reckless' after he announced France will officially recognise a Palestinian state Credit: AFP 7 Palestinians have been living out of tents in Khan Yunis surrounded by rubble for almost two years now Credit: Getty 7 France will become the first G7 nation to view Palestine as its own state starting in September Credit: AFP France will become the first G7 nation to view Palestine as its own state starting in September, Macron said on Thursday. Just 140 out of 193 UN members currently view the State of Palestine. Notable exceptions include the US, UK, Italy, Germany, Canada and Japan. Macron announced the move on X as he wrote: "True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine. read more in Palestine PUTIN'S USEFUL IDIOTS Pro-Palestine protesters damage military equipment headed to UKRAINE "We must also guarantee the demilitarisation of Hamas, and secure and rebuild Gaza. "Finally, we must build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarisation and fully recognising Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the Middle East. "There is no alternative." A formal announcement will be made at a session of the UN General Assembly in New York in five weeks time. Macron has already sent a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas confirming his decision. The US was quick to condemn Paris as Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington "strongly rejects" the announcement. Starmer's barmy one in one out migrants plan has a fundamental flaw which means it WON'T work Rubio issued a scathing statement on social media as he said: "This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. "It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th." The US has been one of Israel's main allies since the Hamas terror attack sparked an all out war in Gaza back in 2023. In the almost two years since, Israel has launched several military operations targeting those who helped to orchestrate the massacre. The airstrikes, ground offensives and constant bombardments of the Gaza strip have led to serious concerns over the safety and future of Palestinian civilians. At least 59,106 people have been killed in Gaza since, according to the Gazan health ministry. And almost two million Palestinians have reportedly been displaced from the region. Israel has vowed to continue on the war path until they have secured the release of all of the remaining hostages snacthed on October 7. 7 French President Emmanuel Macron meets with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas last year Credit: AFP 7 The US was quick to condemn Paris as Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington 'strongly rejects' the announcement Credit: Getty 7 Hundreds of Palestinians seized trucks carrying flour as they entered in Khan younis the southern Gaza Strip on Thursday Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also been adamant that Hamas must be wiped out in its entirety so they cannot attack ever again. Netanyahu issued his own aggravated statement on France's move as he said it "rewards terror". He also warned it "risks creating another Iranian proxy" in the Middle East where Israel has already been facing constant attacks from Hamas and the Houthis. "A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel – not to live in peace beside it," Netanyahu said in a post on X. "Let's be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel." Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the move as "a disgrace and a surrender to terrorism". Hamas praised Macron and said France's decision was a "positive step in the right direction" and urged all other countries to follow their lead. Paris' decision is now set to place further pressure on those nations yet to declare a Palestinian state like the UK. Sir Keir Starmer faces mounting calls, including from his own MPs, to join France and recognise a State of Palestine. Starmer is yet to announce any such move but did release a statement on Thursday saying statehood is an "inalienable right of the Palestinian people". But he believes a ceasefire in the region is a much more pressing issue to end the bloodshed. Sir Keir said a temporary pause on the conflict would "put us on a path to the recognition of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution". An "emergency call" between the UK, France and Germany is due to take place today to discuss "what we can do urgently to stop the killing".
The Sun
21 minutes ago
- The Sun
US blasts ‘reckless' Macron as France is first G7 nation to recognise Palestine state – in ‘face slap' to Oct 7 victims
AMERICA has hit out at Emmanuel Macron for being "reckless" after he announced France will officially recognise a Palestinian state. The White House described President Macron's controversial decision as a "slap in the face to the victims of October 7". 7 7 7 France will become the first G7 nation to view Palestine as its own state starting in September, Macron said on Thursday. Just 140 out of 193 UN members currently view the State of Palestine. Notable exceptions include the US, UK, Italy, Germany, Canada and Japan. Macron announced the move on X as he wrote: "True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine. "We must also guarantee the demilitarisation of Hamas, and secure and rebuild Gaza. "Finally, we must build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarisation and fully recognising Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the Middle East. "There is no alternative." A formal announcement will be made at a session of the UN General Assembly in New York in five weeks time. Macron has already sent a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas confirming his decision. The US was quick to condemn Paris as Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington "strongly rejects" the announcement. Starmer's barmy one in one out migrants plan has a fundamental flaw which means it WON'T work Rubio issued a scathing statement on social media as he said: "This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. "It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th." The US has been one of Israel's main allies since the Hamas terror attack sparked an all out war in Gaza back in 2023. In the almost two years since, Israel has launched several military operations targeting those who helped to orchestrate the massacre. The airstrikes, ground offensives and constant bombardments of the Gaza strip have led to serious concerns over the safety and future of Palestinian civilians. At least 59,106 people have been killed in Gaza since, according to the Gazan health ministry. And almost two million Palestinians have reportedly been displaced from the region. Israel has vowed to continue on the war path until they have secured the release of all of the remaining hostages snacthed on October 7. 7 7 7 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also been adamant that Hamas must be wiped out in its entirety so they cannot attack ever again. Netanyahu issued his own aggravated statement on France's move as he said it "rewards terror". He also warned it "risks creating another Iranian proxy" in the Middle East where Israel has already been facing constant attacks from Hamas and the Houthis. "A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel – not to live in peace beside it," Netanyahu said in a post on X. "Let's be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel." Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the move as "a disgrace and a surrender to terrorism". Hamas praised Macron and said France's decision was a "positive step in the right direction" and urged all other countries to follow their lead. Paris' decision is now set to place further pressure on those nations yet to declare a Palestinian state like the UK. Sir Keir Starmer faces mounting calls, including from his own MPs, to join France and recognise a State of Palestine. Starmer is yet to announce any such move but did release a statement on Thursday saying statehood is an "inalienable right of the Palestinian people". But he believes a ceasefire in the region is a much more pressing issue to end the bloodshed. Sir Keir said a temporary pause on the conflict would "put us on a path to the recognition of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution". An "emergency call" between the UK, France and Germany is due to take place today to discuss "what we can do urgently to stop the killing". 7
