DUBLIN — In a stark warning, the leaders of seven European nations have issued an urgent appeal to Israel, stating that thousands of Gazans could face starvation unless swift action is taken. This statement, released simultaneously by Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain, called for Israel to halt its renewed military offensive in the Gaza Strip and allow international aid agencies to resume their operations.
“We will not be silent in front of the man-made humanitarian catastrophe that is taking place before our eyes in Gaza,”
the leaders declared. They highlighted the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict, noting that more than 50,000 individuals—men, women, and children—have already lost their lives. The coalition warned that many more could succumb to starvation in the days and weeks ahead if immediate measures are not implemented.
Humanitarian crisis escalates
Earlier this week, the U.N. World Food Programme reported that approximately 470,000 residents in Gaza are suffering from catastrophic hunger conditions due to Israel’s decision to block aid flows since March 2. The organization indicated that over 116,000 metric tons of food aid have been obstructed from reaching those in need.
While Israel has yet to respond directly to the coalition’s statement, it has previously argued the necessity of establishing new routes for food distribution that would minimize the risk of aid being confiscated and sold by Hamas militants. Reports indicate that Israel is in the process of constructing new aid delivery centers under military supervision. Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Sa’ar, emphasized that this U.S.-backed approach aims to prevent future aid from being misappropriated, asserting, “Hamas must not benefit from it anymore!”
Concerns over forced displacement
In their statement, the seven European leaders—Kristrún Frostadóttir of Iceland, Micheál Martin of Ireland, Luc Frieden of Luxembourg, Robert Abela of Malta, Jonas Gahr Støre of Norway, Robert Golob of Slovenia, and Pedro Sánchez of Spain—expressed increasing alarm over Israel’s apparent determination to forcibly displace Palestinians from parts of both the West Bank and Gaza. They cited rising settler violence, the expansion of illegal settlements, and intensified military operations as significant concerns.
“Forced displacement or the expulsion of the Palestinian people, by any means, is unacceptable and would constitute a breach of international law,”
the leaders asserted. “We reject any such plans or attempts at demographic change. We must assume the responsibility to stop this devastation.” Last year, in a move to recognize Palestinian statehood, Ireland, Norway, and Spain took unilateral actions leading to tensions with Israel, which included closing its embassy in Dublin and expelling diplomats from Norway.