Over 25 Countries Condemn Inhumane Killing, Urge Gaza Ceasefire

Australia, Ireland, the UK, and over two dozen other countries have jointly condemned Israel for its restrictive aid delivery model in Gaza, which they say endangers civilians and deprives them of basic humanitarian needs such as food and water. The joint statements criticize the "drip feeding" of aid and highlight that over 800 Palestinians have been killed while seeking assistance, calling for Israel to immediately lift restrictions and allow UN and humanitarian NGOs to operate safely. The countries also condemned the detention of Israeli hostages by Hamas, urging for their immediate and unconditional release through a negotiated ceasefire. Additionally, the statements denounce Israeli plans to deport Gaza’s population and settlement expansions in the West Bank, describing these actions as violations of international law that undermine peace efforts. The signatories, including Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Ireland’s Tánaiste Simon Harris, emphasize the need for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire to end the bloodshed and restore human dignity. While these actions have been welcomed by some, there is criticism from opposition figures who argue the statements overlook the origins of the conflict and call for more substantial aid efforts on the ground.