- France, the UK, and Germany call for unhindered humanitarian aid to Gaza.
- Israel blocked aid deliveries on Sunday, demanding Hamas accept truce terms.
- The three European nations warn that halting aid violates international law.
- Humanitarian assistance should not be politicized or linked to ceasefire terms.
- Gaza’s humanitarian situation is described as “catastrophic.”
On Wednesday, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany called on Israel to allow “unhindered” humanitarian aid access to Gaza. This appeal followed Israel’s announcement on Sunday that it would block aid unless Hamas accepted its terms for extending the ceasefire. In response, the European nations emphasized that humanitarian aid must not be used as a political tool.
Moreover, they warned that halting the flow of goods and supplies could violate international humanitarian law. Therefore, they urged Israel to fulfill its obligations and ensure the rapid, safe, and unhindered delivery of aid. Additionally, they insisted that aid should never depend on a ceasefire or any political agreement.
Ceasefire Ends, Tensions Rise
The fragile ceasefire in Gaza, which started on January 19, offered some relief. It allowed both sides to exchange 251 Israeli hostages, taken during Hamas’ October 7 attacks, for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. However, the ceasefire ended over the weekend, abruptly ending hopes for continued calm.
Israel’s decision to halt aid deliveries has made Gaza’s already dire situation even worse. Essential supplies, such as food, water, and medical equipment, have become scarce, leaving civilians in desperate need of help. European nations have expressed serious concern about the worsening crisis.
In response, a European statement highlighted that “humanitarian aid to Gaza should never be contingent on a ceasefire or used as a political tool.” The statement urged Israel to ensure the free passage of aid. If the supplies are blocked, the suffering of Gaza’s civilian population will only grow.
Israel and Hamas at an Impasse Over Ceasefire Terms
The ceasefire that began in January aimed to bring about six weeks of calm, but it has now lapsed. Israel has called for the truce to be extended until mid-April, while Hamas has demanded a transition to the second phase of the deal, which they believe should lead to a permanent end to the conflict.
According to Israeli military reports, of the 251 hostages taken on October 7, 58 remain in Gaza. The Israeli government confirmed that 34 of those hostages are dead, with the fate of the remaining individuals still uncertain. This ongoing hostage crisis has added to the complexity of the situation.
The European nations stressed that the release of all hostages, along with the continuation of the ceasefire, must be priorities. They also called for Hamas to cease its “degrading and humiliating treatment” of hostages and for the unconditional release of all captives.
European Nations Push for Humanitarian Aid and Hostage Release
The three European countries stressed the importance of both humanitarian aid and the release of hostages for lasting peace in the region. They pointed out that maintaining access to humanitarian assistance is crucial to prevent further worsening of conditions in Gaza.
Moreover, they called on both Israel and Hamas to prioritize civilians’ safety and reach an agreement for the safe return of all hostages. “It is vital that the ceasefire is sustained, all the hostages are released, and continued flows of humanitarian aid to Gaza are ensured,” the European nations said.