Eight European nations, Japan, and Canada have sounded a serious alarm regarding the rapidly worsening humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. In a powerful joint statement, foreign ministers from these countries highlighted the “catastrophic” conditions plaguing the besieged enclave.
As winter bites, the plight of 1.3 million Gazans in urgent need of shelter is dire, with many facing appalling conditions. A recent report confirmed the desperate reality, underlining the urgent need for intervention as food insecurity escalates.
While appreciating a recent ceasefire, these nations firmly stated they would not lose sight of the suffering of Gaza’s civilian population. Their message to Israel is clear: ensure that the UN, its partners, and vital NGOs can continue their essential work without hindrance.
A major concern is the potential deregistration of many established international NGO partners, which could force the closure of humanitarian operations within 60 days, severely impacting access to critical services like healthcare and education. The statement specifically calls for Israel to lift “unreasonable restrictions” on imports, including those mistakenly deemed ‘dual-use’, which are crucial for survival and reconstruction.
The call also includes opening more crossings and vastly increasing the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The current target of 4,200 trucks per week, with 250 UN trucks daily, should be seen as a minimum, not a maximum. The international community insists these targets must be exceeded to meet the enormous scale of need, allowing vital supplies and reconstruction materials to reach over 2 million people.
Despite ongoing challenges, these nations urge the Government of Israel to remove all humanitarian access constraints and honor a comprehensive plan to end the conflict. The world is watching, demanding immediate and sustained action to alleviate immense suffering.
