On Monday, Spain and 19 other nations issued a powerful statement advocating for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip . They highlighted that “the suffering of the civilian population has reached new levels,” underscoring the urgent need for action. The statement emphasized the “dangerous” humanitarian aid distribution model practiced by Israel, noting that over 800 Palestinians have died while seeking essential help.
According to the joint statement, “The aid from the Israeli government is dangerous; it feeds instability and deprives the Gazans of their human dignity . We condemn the distribution of drop-off aid and the inhuman death of civilians, including children, who are merely trying to satisfy their most basic needs for water and food.” The nations condemned Israel’s denial of essential humanitarian aid, calling it unacceptable .
The signatory countries stressed that Israel must uphold its obligations under international humanitarian law . They urged the Israeli government to immediately lift the restrictions on the flow of aid, allowing the United Nations (UN) and humanitarian NGOs to perform their crucial work safely and effectively.
Furthermore, the statement labeled the proposed transfer of the Palestinian population to a “humanitarian city” as “completely unacceptable.” They emphasized that permanent forced displacement violates international humanitarian law. “We strongly oppose any measures that promote territorial or demographic changes in the occupied Palestinian territories,” they added.
The statement also addressed the controversial settlement plan announced by Israel, warning that it “would divide the Palestinian state into two,” which they deemed a blatant violation of international law . They expressed concern that the construction of settlements in the West Bank has escalated as violence against Palestinians by settlers has also surged.
On another front, the nations condemned the plight of the hostages held by Hamas since October 7, 2023. They stated that these individuals “continue to suffer terribly” and emphasized the need for their immediate release. The call for an immediate ceasefire was presented as the best hope for reuniting the hostages with their families and ending their agony .
The group urged all parties involved to prioritize the protection of civilians and adhere to international humanitarian law . In the face of escalating violence, they insisted on a collective effort to resolve this severe conflict through an unconditional and permanent ceasefire . “More bloodshed is of no use,” they stated emphatically.
The signatory nations expressed their willingness to take additional measures to support an immediate ceasefire and pursue a political pathway towards achieving security and peace for both Israelis and Palestinians, as well as the entire region. The European Commission , along with other member nations, including Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom , united in this diplomatic endeavor.
Following the declaration, Hamas expressed its approval, viewing it as “an additional international acknowledgment of the magnitude of the crimes committed by the fascist occupation government.” A representative for Hamas called upon the signatory states to translate their condemnation into practical measures that would effectively halt the ongoing humanitarian tragedy and ensure the immediate flow of aid.
The escalation of violence in Gaza roots back to the October 7 attacks , which reportedly claimed around 1,200 lives and resulted in approximately 250 kidnappings , according to the Israeli government. However, Palestinian authorities, controlled by Hamas , have reported that more than 59,000 Palestinians have lost their lives as a result of the ongoing conflict, a number that many fear may be understated.