”We gather with a simple, urgent message: The war in Gaza must come to an end now. The civilian suffering has reached a new low”, it says in the statement published on the British government's website.
The countries demand that Israel lift its restrictions on aid shipments and immediately allow the UN and humanitarian organizations to work in Gaza. They also condemn ”the inhumane killing of civilians, including children”.
Demand an end to settlement expansion
”We also demand an end to the Israeli government's illegal settlement expansion and settlers' violence against civilians”, writes Maria Malmer Stenergard in a comment to TT.
Among the countries that have signed the statement are the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Canada, Spain, Denmark, and Norway.
”We are prepared to take further action to achieve an immediate ceasefire and a political path to security and peace for Israelis, Palestinians, and the entire region”, write the foreign ministers.
EU measures far away
Last week, the EU countries' foreign ministers discussed an agreement on more urgent aid to Gaza, but joint EU measures – such as pausing or completely canceling the EU's economic-political cooperation agreement with the country – are currently far away.
I do not think it is realistic to believe that there could be unanimity behind such a decision, and I also think it is important to maintain forms for dialogue with Israel, said Maria Malmer Stenergard to TT on the phone at the time.
