Australia, UK, France, Germany Urge Israel to End Gaza Aid Blockade

The United Kingdom, France, and Germany have jointly called on Israel to immediately end its blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza, warning of severe risks of starvation, disease, and death among Palestinian civilians, particularly children. The three countries described the restriction of aid and recent statements by Israeli officials about maintaining a long-term presence in Gaza as politicizing humanitarian assistance and violating international law. They condemned Israeli strikes on humanitarian personnel and infrastructure, urging Israel to protect civilians and allow safe passage for aid workers. In response, Israel rejected these criticisms as 'morally twisted and wrong,' arguing that Hamas is misusing humanitarian aid and that Israel is not politicizing assistance but rather acting in accordance with the Geneva Conventions. The Israeli government asserted that during the previous ceasefire, significant aid entered Gaza, and ongoing military actions target Hamas, which it accuses of hiding among civilians. The situation remains tense, with ongoing military operations in Gaza and international pressure mounting for a new ceasefire and improved humanitarian access.