The United Kingdom, France, and Canada joined 27 donor countries and the European Union in calling on Israel to stop its military offensive in Gaza and immediately allow humanitarian aid into the region. The appeal comes after 11 weeks in which no aid has entered Gaza, where civilians face severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Many experts warn that words alone are not enough and that urgent action must follow to stop the ongoing suffering.
Israel has maintained a strict blockade on Gaza for years. Since October 2023, the situation worsened dramatically due to a large military campaign that has destroyed much of the Gaza Strip. Even before this, nearly 80 percent of Gazans relied on humanitarian assistance. The recent blockade and attacks have deepened the crisis, pushing many to the brink of starvation.
International organizations and United Nations officials have described Israel’s actions as crimes against humanity and genocide. In early May, the Israeli government outlined goals including a permanent military presence in Gaza and population transfers. These moves are widely seen as ethnic cleansing by human rights experts.
Allowing humanitarian aid to enter Gaza is critical but not enough to end the crisis. The ongoing violence and military occupation in Gaza and the West Bank must stop. Humanitarian aid must not serve as a cover for continuing military actions. The international community has waited too long to take measures that could change the situation.
Countries still supplying arms to Israel are seen as complicit in the violence. Explosive weapons have caused mass civilian casualties, hospitals have been systematically destroyed, and sexual and gender-based violence has increased. These crimes underline the urgent need for accountability.
Experts call on all states and organizations, including the European Union, to suspend all military and security cooperation with Israel. This includes stopping arms sales, military training, and intelligence sharing. The EU should suspend its Association Agreement with Israel until there is a peaceful resolution. Supporting the International Criminal Court’s efforts to hold those responsible for war crimes accountable is also essential.
Partial easing of the blockade or minor changes in military presence are not enough. The root causes, including illegal occupation and settlement expansion in the West Bank, must be addressed. Only through a negotiated end to the occupation can lasting peace be achieved.
The path to peace requires Israel to end its assault on Gaza and recognize the rights and humanity of Palestinians. Decades of injustice and conflict cannot continue to be ignored. Real political solutions and renewed negotiations are necessary to stop the violence and bring hope to both Israelis and Palestinians.
