France, the United Kingdom, and Germany on Wednesday urged Israel to allow unhindered humanitarian aid into Gaza, warning against using relief efforts as a political tool. However, the European nations did not explicitly condemn Israel for blocking aid deliveries.
A fragile ceasefire since January 19 had facilitated increased aid flows into Gaza, but Israel halted deliveries on Sunday, demanding Hamas accept its terms for an extension of the truce.
In a joint statement, the three European countries called on Israel to fulfill its “international obligations” by ensuring the “full, rapid, safe and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance” to Gaza’s population. They warned that Israel’s decision to stop supplies would risk violating international humanitarian law.
Despite describing the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “catastrophic,” the statement did not directly condemn Israel for restricting aid access. The countries instead emphasised the need for all hostages in Gaza to be released unconditionally and for Hamas to stop its “degrading and humiliating treatment” of captives.
