Tag: Gaza

Gaza: UK Government prepared to act at last?

PM SAYS STATE OF PALESTINE WILL BE RECOGNISED – UNLESS ISRAEL ‘TAKES SUBSTANTIVE STEPS TO END THE APPALLING SITUATION IN GAZA’

THE Prime Minister said:

On the 7th of October 2023 Hamas perpetrated the worst massacre in Israel’s history. 

Every day since then, the horror has continued. 

The hostages are still being held today. 

The Palestinian people have endured terrible suffering. 

Now, in Gaza because of a catastrophic failure of aid, we see starving babies, children too weak to stand: Images that will stay with us for a lifetime. 

The suffering must end. 

Yesterday I discussed this with President Trump. 

And we are mounting a major effort to get humanitarian supplies back in. 

By air, and UK aid has been air dropped into Gaza today. 

And – crucially – by land. 

We need to see at least 500 trucks entering Gaza every day. 

But ultimately – the only way to bring this humanitarian crisis to an end is through a long-term settlement. 

So we are supporting the US, Egyptian and Qatari efforts to secure a vital ceasefire. 

That ceasefire must be sustainable and it must lead to a wider peace plan, which we are developing with our international partners. 

This plan will deliver security and proper governance in Gaza and pave the way for negotiations on a Two State Solution. 

Our goal remains a safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. But right now – that goal is under pressure like never before. 

I’ve always said we will recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to a proper peace process, at the moment of maximum impact for the Two State Solution. 

With that solution now under threat, this is the moment to act. 

So today – as part of this process towards peace I can confirm the UK will recognise the state of Palestine by the United Nations General Assembly in September unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire and commit to a long-term, sustainable peace, reviving the prospect of a Two State Solution. 

And this includes allowing the UN to restart the supply of aid, and making clear there will be no annexations in the West Bank. 

Meanwhile, our message to the terrorists of Hamas is unchanged and unequivocal. 

They must immediately release all the hostages, sign up to a ceasefire, disarm and accept that they will play no part in the government of Gaza. 

We will make an assessment in September on how far the parties have met these steps. 

But no one should have a veto on our decision. 

So this is the way forward. We will keep working with all our international partners to end the suffering, get aid flooding into Gaza and deliver a more stable future for the Middle East. 

Because I know that is what the British people desperately want to see.

Statement on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the recognition of a Palestinian State

Our overwhelming concern is for the Israeli hostages and for the people of Gaza. We must do all we can to end the current suffering and change the situation on the ground.

We demand an immediate ceasefire to stop the slaughter, that the UN be allowed to send humanitarian assistance into Gaza on a continuing basis to prevent starvation, and the immediate release of the hostages. We support the US, Qatari and Egyptian governments in their attempts to bring about a ceasefire.

We also need a comprehensive plan to end this misery and to get to a long-term settlement. We are committed to working together with our international partners to develop a credible peace plan for the next phase in Gaza that establishes transitional governance and security arrangements, and ensures the delivery of humanitarian aid at the necessary scale.

This must be accompanied by the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the removal of Hamas leadership from Gaza as key steps towards a negotiated two-state solution. We welcome the steps announced by President Abbas and these should be the basis for a comprehensive reform of the PA. 

We have long been committed to recognising a state of Palestine. As our election manifesto said, Palestinian statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people. It is not in the gift of any neighbour and is also essential to the long-term security of Israel.

We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state as a contribution to a renewed peace process which results in a two-state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.  

Hamas are a terrorist organisation responsible for the October 7th atrocities. They must never be rewarded. We have been unequivocal in our condemnation of those evil attacks, and our support for the right of the State of Israel to self-defence.

Hamas must immediately release all the hostages, sign up to an immediate ceasefire, accept that they will play no part in the government of Gaza, and commit to disarmament.

We are determined to protect the viability of the two-state solution, and so we will recognise the state of Palestine in September before UNGA; unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza and commits to a long term sustainable peace, including through allowing the UN to restart without delay the supply of humanitarian support to the people of Gaza to end starvation, agreeing to a ceasefire, and making clear there will be no annexations in the West Bank.

We will make an assessment ahead of UNGA on how far the parties have met these steps. No one side will have a veto on recognition through their actions or inactions.  

But recognition by itself will not change the situation on the ground.

We are therefore taking additional immediate steps to alleviate the humanitarian situation, including air drops of humanitarian supplies along with Jordan, and getting injured children out of Gaza and into British hospitals alongside pressing strongly for UN deliveries of humanitarian assistance to resume. 

We also believe that a ceasefire will not last without urgent work on governance and security in Gaza, and the prospect of a long-term political settlement. We are therefore preparing a plan with our key allies for longer-term political negotiations and a two-state solution.

First Minister: Recognition should be irreversible and not conditional

First Minister John Swinney has responded to the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s announcement that the UK intends to recognise the State of Palestine.

The First Minister said: “Having called on the UK Government to recognise the State of Palestine, I welcome the intent behind this announcement. However, recognition of a Palestinian state should be irreversible.

“Recognition must not be conditional and must be backed by sanctions against Israel if the violence continues.

“Israel must today agree to a ceasefire and allow humanitarian aid to flow in much more volume to address the starvation being faced in Gaza.

“A two-state solution is the only way that the Palestinian and Israeli peoples can have a future, living side-by-side in peace and security. The Palestinian people deserve no less.

“This announcement comes on the day that the number of deaths reported passed 60,000, a truly horrific milestone that shames us all. 

“The Israeli government must commit to end the killing and comply with its international obligations on the investigation of genocide and war crimes. We must see the unconditional release of all hostages.”

Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “Palestinian statehood is not a bargaining chip. It is not a threat. It is an inalienable right of the Palestinian people.

“Our demands on this shameful government remain the same: end all arms sales to Israel, impose widespread sanctions, and stop the genocide, now.”

ISRAELI leader Benjamin Netanyahu said the UK stance is ‘rewarding Hamas terrorism’.

Gaza crisis: Emergency cabinet meeting to be held following Trump – Starmer meeting

The Prime Minister met US President Donald Trump in Scotland yesterday.

The leaders began by discussing the appalling scenes in Gaza and agreed that urgent action was needed to bring an end to the suffering, which has reached new depths. Humanitarian aid had to be allowed in at scale and pace. 

They committed to work together to bring an end to the misery and starvation and continue to press for the immediate release of the remaining hostages, who have been held so cruelly for so long. 

They reiterated their calls for an immediate ceasefire to pave the way for peace in the region and the Prime Minister welcomed the President’s efforts to secure this, and shared the plans he is working on with other European leaders to bring about a lasting peace. 

Turning to Ukraine, the leaders agreed that they must maintain momentum to bring about an end to the war with Russia, including by putting economic pressure on Putin to come to the table without further delay. 

On the landmark Economic Prosperity Deal, the leaders remarked on how beneficial the deal is for working people in the UK and the US and agreed to continue to work together to build further on their close and strong economic relationship. 

The leaders discussed plans for the President’s upcoming State Visit in September, which they both looked forward to.

The Prime Minister will update the cabinet on the peace plan proposals at an emergency meeting later today.

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney is scheduled to meet the US President this morning.

Starmer to meet Trump in Scotland for talks today

  • The Prime Minister will travel to Scotland today to meet the President for talks on his golf course in Turnberry
  • The leaders are expected to discuss progress on implementing the UK-US trade deal, hopes for a ceasefire in the Middle East and applying pressure on Putin to end the war in Ukraine
  • The leaders will travel on together for a further private engagement in Aberdeen

Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet US President Donald Trump in Scotland today for wide-ranging talks.

The Prime Minister will travel to the President’s golf course in Turnberry, ahead of Trump’s landmark second State Visit to the UK in September.

Over the course of the visit, the leaders are expected to talk one-to-one about advancing implementation of the landmark Economic Prosperity Deal so that Brits and Americans can benefit from boosted trade links between their two countries.

The Prime Minister is also expected to welcome the President’s administration working with partners in Qatar and Egypt to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza.

He will discuss further with him what more can be done to secure the ceasefire urgently, bring an end to the unspeakable suffering and starvation in Gaza and free the hostages who have been held so cruelly for so long.

Securing peace in Ukraine will also be high on the agenda, with the Prime Minister and President set to talk about their shared desire to bring an end to the barbaric war. It is expected they will reflect on progress in their 50-day drive to arm Ukraine and force Putin to the negotiating table.

It’s quite possible that President Trump may change that agenda, of course.

After their meeting they will travel on together to a private engagement in Aberdeen.

The UK and the US have ‘one of the closest, most productive alliances the world has ever seen’, working together to cooperate on defence, intelligence, technology and trade.

The UK was the first country to agree a deal with the US that lowered tariffs on key sectors and has received one of the lowest reciprocal tariff rates in the world.

Businesses in the aerospace and autos sectors are already benefitting from the ‘strong relationship the UK has with the US’ and the deal agreed on 8 May.

The Government says it is ‘working at pace with the US to go further to deliver benefits to working people on both sides of the Atlantic and to give UK industry the security it needs, protect vital jobs, and put more money in people’s pockets through the Plan for Change’.

‘Temporary humanitarian pause’ in Gaza: Lammy statement

The Foreign Secretary has issued a statement following yesterday’s announcement of a temporary humanitarian pause by the IDF in Gaza:

Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said : “The humanitarian suffering in Gaza has 2reached new depths.

“The Prime Minister has already announced plans to work with Jordan to get aid into Gaza and to evacuate children who need critical medical assistance to the UK for treatment.

“Today’s announcement of a temporary pause by the IDF to allow humanitarian corridors to open and aid drops to resume is essential but long overdue. Access to aid must therefore be urgently accelerated over the coming hours and days.

“This announcement alone cannot alleviate the needs of those desperately suffering in Gaza. We need a ceasefire that can end the war, for hostages to be released and aid to enter Gaza by land unhindered.

“Whilst airdrops will help to alleviate the worst of the suffering, land routes serve as the only viable and sustainable means of providing aid into Gaza.

“These measures must be fully implemented and further barriers on aid removed. The world is watching.

“The UK supports the efforts of Qatar, Egypt and the US as mediators and urges all parties to resume talks on a pathway for lasting peace and security.”

But in the meantime, the UK continues to arm Israel … WHY ???

Recognise the state of Palestine now!

AN APPEAL BY TUC GENERAL SECRETARY PAUL NOWAK

Palestinian civilians are being killed as they seek food, water, and shelter at Israeli-controlled aid distribution points.

I have been horrified by Israel’s continued assault on Gaza and the mounting death toll of innocent civilians.

Now respected international agencies are warning that Israel’s blockade of aid is causing mass starvation. And the violence shows no sign of abating.

Trade unions have always stood in solidarity with people under occupation, and for peace built on human rights, equality, and international law.

It is our duty as trade unionists to call out the horrors that are happening right in front of our eyes.

Please write to your MP and ask they use their voice to recognise the state of Palestine, deliver a ceasefire, end the illegal occupation and support the journey towards peace and justice.

Write to your MP now

More than 21 months of strikes on Gaza and its people has caused untold devastation, bloodshed and suffering.

In April I visited the occupied West Bank and witnessed first-hand the human and labour rights abuses being experienced by Palestinian workers on a daily basis.

The TUC has called on the UK Government to use every diplomatic, political and economic tool available to help deliver an immediate and permanent ceasefire, end the illegal occupation and start a meaningful political peace process that respects the right to self-determination.

While we welcome this month’s joint statement from foreign ministers – urging an end to the assault and for urgent aid access – statements alone are not enough.

Words must be matched with action. And there’s no time to wait.

That’s why we are calling on the Government to take immediate action to:

  • Recognise the state of Palestine now
  • Suspend the UK-Israel trade deal
  • Ban imports from the illegal settlement
  • End all licenses for arms traded with Israel, in line with international law
  • Sanctions on individuals promoting and committing war crimes

Can you write to your MP today to echo these demands?

Write to your MP now

Recognising the state of Palestine is not a symbolic gesture. It is a necessary and practical step towards a viable two-state solution that delivers equal rights and democracy– this is the only credible path to a just and lasting peace, ending decades of occupation, violence, and displacement.

On Monday, the UN will hold a conference in New York on the two-state solution.

This is an opportunity for our Government to agree to clear and immediate action on Palestine.

Whilst these discussions take place overseas, we must use our voices as trade unionists to call on our Government to act.

Please write to your MP today.

Thank you for using your voice.

In Solidarity,

PAUL NOWAK

General Secretary, TUC

‘The Israeli aid system is inhumane, ineffective, dangerous and fuelling instability’

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council open debate on the Middle East Peace Process:

‘My Foreign Secretary has been unequivocal: the war in Gaza must end now. Hamas and Israel must both commit to a ceasefire now.

‘A ceasefire is within reach and we urge all sides to make it a reality, to secure the release of the hostages, who have been cruelly held by Hamas since 7 October, and to end the appalling suffering of Palestinian civilians.

‘I will make three points.

‘First, the Israeli aid system is inhumane, ineffective, dangerous and fuelling instability. Reports and images this week of children dying from starvation are beyond horrific.

‘The IDF is shooting at desperate Palestinian civilians on an almost daily basis. Hamas is exploiting this disorder.

‘We call on Israel to end these attacks, hold those responsible to account and to work with the UN to implement effective aid distribution in line with humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law.

‘And let me reaffirm the UK’s firm and unequivocal support for the UN and OCHA in their brave efforts to get aid into Gaza.

‘We also condemn recent strikes on the WHO in Deir al Balah. Humanitarians and civilians must be protected.

‘Second, we condemn Defence Minister Katz’s proposals of forced displacement to Rafah.

‘Illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank continues at pace as well as settler violence, and even terrorism, against Palestinians. This is an accelerating campaign to prevent a Palestinian state.

‘We condemn these attacks and call for Israel to hold its citizens to account.

‘We also oppose the reintroduction of the E1 settlement plan, which is a flagrant breach of international law.

‘Third, we are clear that Hamas must play no future role in the governance of Gaza or be able to threaten Israel’s security again.

‘However, the organisation which represents a credible alternative to Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, is being undermined by Israeli actions.

‘Israel is withholding $2.6 billion in clearance revenues, crippling the Palestinian economy and pushing essential health and education services to the brink. This is not conducive to Israel’s security.

‘President, the United Kingdom is resolute in our commitment to a two-state solution and my Foreign Secretary has been clear that we are prepared to take further action to prevent the forcible erosion of the only viable path to lasting peace.

‘Next week’s conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, is a vital opportunity to demonstrate the strength of international resolve to secure a better future for Israelis, Palestinians and the region.’

MORE FINE WORDS, BUT CONDEMNATION ALONE WILL NOT SAVE A SINGLE LIFE. OUR GOVERNMENT KNOWS FULL WELL THAT ACTION IS LONG OVERDUE – AND THE UK CONTINUES TO SUPPORT AND PROVIDE ARMS TO ISRAEL.

WE ARE COMPLICIT IN ISRAEL’s WAR CRIMES.

HOW MANY MORE CIVILIANS WILL BE SLAUGHTERED OR DIE THROUGH STARVATION BEFORE NEXT WEEK’S ‘VITAL’ CONFERENCE – Ed.?

Thee more Palestine protesters arrested in Edinburgh

Three men have been arrested in Edinburgh under the Terrorism Act 2000 for showing support for a proscribed organisation.

Around 1.30pm, a 58-year-old man was arrested by officers in the vicinity of the Scottish Parliament for displaying a sign showing support for a proscribed organisation.

Earlier, two men aged 78 and 60 years, were arrested for showing support for a proscribed organisation at a protest in Edinburgh on Saturday, 19 July 2025.

Reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Dark day for the world as loose cannon Trump bombs Iran

TWO WEEKS? HE COULDN’T WAIT TWO DAYS TO ATTACK IRAN

The United States of America has bombed three nuclear sites in Iran.

The overnight attack by ‘our great American Warriors’ has been welcomed by Israel, who initiated the latest conflict with Iran last week.

US President Trump, without a trace of irony, is now calling for peace!

Also calling for peace, but perhaps with more sincerity, is the United Nations – which has once again been found to be impotent when faced with international agression by major military powers.

United Nations general secretary António Guterres said in a statement: “I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today. This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security.

“There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world.

“I call on Member States to de-escalate and to uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law.

“At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos.

“There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace.”

Some US politicians have also expressed concern that Congress was not consulted over the agression.

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib said on Twitter: “President Trump sending U.S. troops to bomb Iran without the consent of Congress is a blatant violation of our Constitution.“

World leaders, including Great Britain, with our so-called ‘special relationship’, will doubtless call for restraint and urge negotiations this morning, but let’s be honest: Trump, and by association Netanyahu, will do exactly what he wants. And who can stop him?

Predictably, the UK did not condemn the actions of the US.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued this short statement: “Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security. Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat.

“The situation in the Middle East remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority. We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.”

Better late than never: UK sanctions hit West Bank violence network

UK sanctions individuals, illegal settler outposts and organisations supporting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank, as Foreign Secretary pauses free trade agreement negotiations with Israel.

  • new sanctions target 3 individuals, 2 illegal settler outposts and 2 organisations supporting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank
  • today’s measures include financial restrictions and travel bans, including on high-profile extremist settler leader Daniella Weiss
  • in a statement to the House, the Foreign Secretary is set to announce a formal pause of free trade agreement negotiations with Israel, effective immediately
  • he will make clear the UK’s complete opposition to the IDF’s new, extensive ground operation through Gaza, repeat UK demands that Hamas release all the hostages immediately and unconditionally, and reiterate that Hamas cannot continue to run Gaza

In response to the persistent cycle of serious violence undertaken by extremist Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, the Foreign Secretary has announced new sanctions today.

Today’s measures target 3 individuals, including prominent settler leader Daniella Weiss, as well as 2 illegal outposts and 2 organisations that have supported, incited and promoted violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.

These individuals and entities are now subject to measures including financial restrictions, travel bans, and director disqualifications, and will follow 18 other individuals, entities, and companies already sanctioned relating to serious violence against communities in the West Bank.

The measures follow a dramatic surge in settler violence in the West Bank, with the UN recording over 1,800 attacks by settlers against Palestinian communities since 1 January 2024.

In a statement to Parliament, the Foreign Secretary is also set to announce the formal pause of free trade agreement negotiations with Israel, effective immediately. While the UK government remains committed to the existing trade agreement in force, it is not possible to advance discussions on a new, upgraded FTA with a Netanyahu government that is pursuing egregious policies in the West Bank and Gaza.

His statement will address latest developments on the ground in Gaza, making clear the UK’s complete opposition to the IDF’s new, extensive ground operation through Gaza, the threat of starvation for the Gazan population, and the UK’s condemnation of the Israeli government’s plans to drive Gazans from their homes into a corner of the Strip. The Foreign Secretary will also repeat UK demands that Hamas release all the hostages immediately and unconditionally and reiterate that Hamas cannot continue to run Gaza.

The new steps follow a joint statement issued by the Prime Minister along with the leaders of France and Canada, setting out their strong opposition to the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and to illegal settlements in the West Bank. They also made clear that if Israel does not cease this action, further action will be taken in response.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “I have seen for myself the consequences of settler violence. The fear of its victims. The impunity of its perpetrators.

“The sanctioning of Daniella Weiss and others today demonstrates our determination to hold extremist settlers to account as Palestinian communities suffer violence and intimidation at the hands of extremist settlers.

“The Israeli government has a responsibility to intervene and halt these aggressive actions. Their consistent failure to act is putting Palestinian communities and the two-state solution in peril.”

The announcement comes as Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer summons Israel’s Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office over the expansion of military operations in Gaza.

Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer said: “Today I will set out to Ambassador Hotovely the government’s opposition to the wholly disproportionate escalation of military activity in Gaza and emphasise that the 11-week block on aid to Gaza has been cruel and indefensible.

“I will urge Israel to halt settlement expansion and settler violence in the West Bank.

“Israel must abide by its obligations under International Humanitarian Law and ensure full, rapid, safe and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to the population in Gaza. The limited amount of aid entering is simply not enough.

“We must get an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages and a path to a two-state solution is the only way to ensure the long-term peace and security of both Palestinians and Israelis.”

Individuals and entities sanctioned today:

  • Daniella Weiss – has been involved in threatening, perpetrating, promoting and supporting, acts of aggression and violence against Palestinian individuals. Weiss is now subject to an asset freeze, travel ban, and director disqualification
  • Harel Libi – owner of Libi Construction and Infrastructure. Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinian individuals. Libi is now subject to an asset freeze, travel ban, and director disqualification
  • Zohar Sabah – has been involved in threatening, perpetrating, promoting and supporting, acts of aggression and violence against Palestinian individuals. Sabah is now subject to an asset freeze, travel ban, and director disqualification
  • Coco’s Farm – is associated with a person who is or has been involved in activity which amounts to facilitating, inciting, promoting or providing support for activity which amounts to a serious abuse of the right of individuals not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.  Coco’s Farm is now subject to an asset freeze
  • Libi Construction and Infrastructure – has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts resulting in the forced displacement of Palestinians in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, activities which cause the psychological suffering of Palestinians, and activities which often leads to violence perpetrated against Palestinians. Libi Construction and Infrastructure is now subject to an asset freeze and director disqualification
  • Nachala – has been involved in facilitating, inciting, promoting and providing logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts and forced displacement of Palestinians in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, activities which cause the psychological suffering of Palestinians, and which often lead to violence perpetrated against Palestinians. Nachala is now subject to an asset freeze
  • Neria’s Farm – is associated with a person who is or has been involved in activity which amounts to facilitating, inciting, promoting or providing support for activity which amounts to a serious abuse of the right of individuals not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Neria’s Farm is now subject to an asset freeze

Definitions

  • asset freeze: where an asset freeze applies, in summary, it is generally prohibited within the UK, and for UK persons outside the UK, to:
    1. Deal with funds or economic resources, owned, held or controlled by a designated person
    2. Make funds or economic resources available, directly or indirectly, to, or for the benefit of, a designated person
    3. Engage in actions that, directly or indirectly, circumvent the financial sanctions prohibitions
  • director disqualification sanctions: Where director disqualification sanctions apply, it will be an offence for a person designated for the purpose of those sanctions to act as a director of a company or to take part in the management, formation or promotion of a UK company
  • travel ban: an individual subject to a travel ban will be an excluded person under section 8B of the Immigration Act 1971, meaning that they must be refused leave to enter or to remain in the United Kingdom

Statement on humanitarian aid to Gaza

Joint statement on behalf of 26 humanitarian partners on aid to Gaza and the proposal for a new aid delivery model

Joint statement:

“Whilst we acknowledge indications of a limited restart of aid, Israel blocked humanitarian aid entering Gaza for over two months. Food, medicines and essential supplies are exhausted. The population faces starvation. Gaza’s people must receive the aid they desperately need.  

“Prior to the aid block, the UN and humanitarian NGOs delivered aid into Gaza, working with great courage, at the risk of their lives and in the face of major access challenges imposed by Israel. These organisations subscribe to upholding humanitarian principles, operating independently, with neutrality, impartiality and humanity. They have the logistical capacity, expertise and operational coverage to deliver assistance across Gaza to those who need it most.  

“Israel’s security cabinet has reportedly approved a new model for delivering aid into Gaza, which the UN and our humanitarian partners cannot support. They are clear that they will not participate in any arrangement that does not fully respect the humanitarian principles. Humanitarian principles matter for every conflict around the world and should be applied consistently in every warzone.

“The UN has raised concerns that the proposed model cannot deliver aid effectively, at the speed and scale required. It places beneficiaries and aid workers at risk, undermines the role and independence of the UN and our trusted partners, and links humanitarian aid to political and military objectives.  Humanitarian aid should never be politicised, and Palestinian territory must not be reduced nor subjected to any demographic change.  

“As humanitarian donors, we have two straightforward messages for the Government of Israel: allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza immediately and enable the UN and humanitarian organisations to work independently and impartially to save lives, reduce suffering and maintain dignity.

“We remain committed to meeting the acute needs we see in Gaza. We also reiterate our firm message that Hamas must immediately release all remaining hostages and allow humanitarian assistance to be distributed without interference.

“It is our firm conviction that an immediate return to a ceasefire and working towards the implementation of a two-state solution are the only way to bring peace and security to Israelis and Palestinians and ensure long-term stability for the whole region.”

This statement has been signed by:

  • The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK. 
  • The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management and the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean.