THREE European countries, Germany, Britain and France, have jointly called on Israel to allow the delivery of humanitarian supplies into Gaza, warning against using aid as a political tool.
Israel has cut off access to humanitarian aid, including food, fuel and medicine, to Gaza’s two million residents
The foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany said in a joint statement on Wednesday that Israel must ensure “full, rapid, safe and unhindered,” provision of humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, stopped the entry of essential aid into the Gaza Strip on Sunday, in what his office said was in response to “Hamas’ refusal” to accept an outline for the resumption of truce talks presented by United States (US) President Donald Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.
“It is vital that the ceasefire is sustained, all the hostages are released and continued flows of humanitarian aid to Gaza are ensured,” the European countries said.
Israel wants truce extension, while Hamas pushes for phase two. The ceasefire deal, which was to be implemented in stages, took effect on January 19 and included a surge in humanitarian assistance. The first phase of the deal expired on Saturday.
The two sides disagree about the next steps in the truce. While Israel wants more hostages to be released under an extension of the first phase, Hamas is pushing for the start of the second phase that would pave the way for a permanent end to the war.
Over 250 hostages were taken by Hamas-led militants during the October 7, 2023, attack in the south of Israel, which triggered the current conflict in Gaza.
The UN World Food Programme said it only has enough food supplies in the Gaza Strip to keep public kitchens and bakeries open for less than two weeks.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) currently has 22,500 tents sitting in its warehouses in Jordan. Its supply trucks brought back their undelivered cargo once entry to Gaza was barred.
The International Rescue Commission (IRC) has 6.7 tons (14,771 pounds) of medicines and medical supplies waiting to enter Gaza.
South Africa, in a statement, insisted that Israel’s actions amounted to using “starvation as a weapon of war.”
“The people of Gaza are experiencing immeasurable suffering and urgently need food, shelter and medical supplies,” the South African foreign ministry said, adding: “South Africa calls on the international community to hold Israel accountable.”
It brought its case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in December 2023, accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, a charge Israel has strongly rejected.
Several other countries, including Ireland, Spain, Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Turkey, Chile and Libya have added their weight to the proceedings.
Palestinian authorities say at least 48,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military response to the October 7, 2023 attack, while the United Nations (UN) estimated that around 90 per cent of the Gaza Strip’s two million residents have been displaced, some multiple times.
(Louis Oelofse- AP, Reuters, AFP)
