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