By Dayo Ade Olusola |World News July 21, 2025
The United Kingdom and 24 other countries have issued a joint statement calling for an immediate end to the ongoing war in Gaza, condemning Israel’s current aid distribution strategy as “dangerous” and harmful to civilian welfare.
In the declaration, the nations said humanitarian suffering in the besieged Palestinian enclave has “reached new depths,” with urgent calls for a “negotiated ceasefire” to both end hostilities and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas since October.
“We are gravely concerned about the catastrophic impact this conflict has had on civilians,” the foreign ministers stated. “A negotiated ceasefire is the most viable path to secure humanitarian access and bring hostages home.”
The signatories include the foreign ministers of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK.
Criticism was also levelled at the Israeli government’s model for delivering aid to Gaza. The statement described the method as one that “fuels instability and deprives Gazans of human dignity,” adding that it has failed to meet international humanitarian standards.
The war in Gaza has now stretched into its tenth month, with mounting casualties on both sides and widespread destruction across the territory.
International pressure for a ceasefire has intensified in recent weeks, particularly as aid agencies report dwindling supplies, rising child malnutrition, and insufficient medical care for thousands of wounded civilians.
This latest diplomatic move underscores growing frustration among key Western and global allies over the humanitarian toll of the conflict. While many of the countries have maintained security ties with Israel, they are now voicing alarm over what they describe as disproportionate suffering and inadequate aid access.
The statement also reiterates a commitment to international law and stresses the urgency of de-escalation. “Civilians must be protected,” the ministers emphasized. “We call on all parties to act with restraint and respect for humanitarian obligations.”
Israeli officials have not yet formally responded to the joint statement. Meanwhile, the Israeli military continues ground operations in central and southern Gaza, with heavy fighting reported in Deir al Balah and Khan Younis.
The push for a ceasefire is expected to be raised at upcoming UN and EU diplomatic sessions, as mediators seek pathways toward a political resolution. The US, a key ally of Israel, has also publicly supported efforts to secure a truce, though it has not signed this particular joint appeal.
