A coalition of 25 nations has urged an immediate Gaza ceasefire, citing escalating civilian deaths and deteriorating conditions at humanitarian aid sites. The call, reported by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, drew sharp rebuke from Israeli officials, who according to JNS.org, labeled the statement “disconnected from reality” and accused the signatories of emboldening Hamas.
Aid sites become flashpoints for civilian deaths
According to JTA, at least 85 Palestinians were killed Sunday while attempting to access aid in northern Gaza, with more than 1,000 civilians reported killed at aid sites since the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation — a U.S.-Israel initiative — began its operations last month. The World Food Programme said its trucks came under fire from Israeli tanks and snipers after passing through the Zikim checkpoint. Eyewitness accounts shared with JTA described confusion, desperation, and violence as crowds gathered for food.
Foreign ministers call Israeli model “dangerous”
The joint statement — covered by both JTA and JNS.org — was signed by the foreign ministers of countries including France, Ireland, Australia, and Japan, as well as an EU commissioner. It denounced Israel’s aid distribution strategy as “dangerous,” “inhumane,” and destabilizing. “We condemn the drip-feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children,” the statement said.
Israel: Statement ignores Hamas’s role
According to JNS.org, Israel’s Foreign Ministry rejected the joint declaration and accused the 25 countries of overlooking Hamas’s responsibility. “All statements and claims should be directed at the only party responsible… Hamas, which started this war and is prolonging it,” the ministry said. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar noted that Hamas had publicly praised the international statement — which, he argued, proved it was “the wrong message.”
Ceasefire calls grow amid humanitarian strain
As cited in JTA, the World Central Kitchen suspended its operations Sunday, saying its food stocks had run dry and convoys were stalled at the border. The Israeli military has acknowledged firing “warning shots” in some cases but disputes casualty counts. Meanwhile, reporting from JTA notes increasing pressure on the humanitarian system, with firsthand accounts of people walking miles for aid and returning empty-handed — or not at all. Without a Gaza ceasefire, aid groups warn, the toll is expected to rise.
