London: The United Kingdom, France, and Germany have collectively called on the Israeli occupation to lift the aid blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip. The three nations highlighted that the blockade has resulted in hunger, the spread of diseases, and fatalities among the Palestinian population. In a joint statement issued by their foreign ministers, it was noted that the aid blockade on Gaza has persisted for more than 50 days, during which essential supplies have been either withheld or are at risk of being sold.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the ministers urged the Israeli occupation to halt the blockade immediately and resume the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza without any hindrances to meet the needs of civilians. The statement underscored that during the recent ceasefire, the UN network and international NGOs managed to deliver aid widely. The decision to prevent aid from entering Gaza was labeled as "unacceptable," along with recent remarks by Minister Israeli occupation Katz regarding the exploitation of humanitarian aid and plans to remain in Gaza post-conflict.
The joint statement emphasized that such actions undermine the prospects for peace, asserting that humanitarian aid should not be politicized, nor should any forced demographic changes be imposed on Palestinian territories. The statement also reminded the Israeli occupation of its obligations under international law to allow the free passage of humanitarian aid.
The ministers further stressed the importance of enabling humanitarian workers to assist those in dire need, regardless of conflict parties and in line with humanitarian principles. They called for the Israeli occupation to guarantee unobstructed access for the UN and humanitarian organizations across all areas of Gaza to ensure their safe operations.
Expressing outrage over the recent strikes by Israeli occupation armed forces against humanitarian organization staff and infrastructure, the ministers urged greater protection for civilians and humanitarian workers. They called for the reestablishment of conflict prevention mechanisms and the free movement of humanitarian personnel in Gaza.
Furthermore, the ministers demanded that military operations avoid damaging health facilities or harming their workers, underlining the urgency of addressing medical needs and allowing patients to leave Gaza temporarily for treatment.
The statement concluded with a call for a ceasefire and the immediate release of remaining hostages, stressing the need for a two-state solution as the sole path to enduring peace and security in the region.