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EU, UK, and Japan demand action to prevent famine in Gaza
The European Union, the United Kingdom, and Japan have issued a joint call for immediate action to address an unfolding humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, warning of a famine that has reached alarming proportions.
In a statement signed by the EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and foreign ministers from 24 nations, including Canada and Australia, the signatories emphasized the dire situation. "The humanitarian suffering in Gaza has reached unimaginable levels. Famine is unfolding before our eyes. Urgent action is needed now to halt and reverse starvation," the statement read.
Restrictions and aid blockages
Experts mandated by the United Nations have cautioned that Gaza is on the brink of famine. International organizations have repeatedly condemned restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities, which have severely hampered the distribution of humanitarian aid in the region. The joint statement called on Israel to authorize the immediate passage of all international NGO aid shipments and to lift blockages preventing vital humanitarian actors from operating effectively.
Divided European response
Seventeen EU member states, including France, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Spain, signed the appeal. However, Germany, a historically strong supporter of Israel within the EU, was notably absent from the list of signatories, despite its recent decision to halt the export of military equipment to Israel.
Germany’s stance reflects its complex relationship with Israel. While traditionally offering unwavering support due to its historical responsibility for the Holocaust, Berlin’s decision to suspend arms exports signals a shift in its position amidst growing international criticism of the Gaza blockade.
Aid agreement stalled
Last month, the EU reached an agreement aimed at increasing humanitarian aid access to Gaza. However, senior officials revealed that the deal has yet to be fully implemented, exacerbating the already dire situation in the region.