Netherlands, 25 nations urge end to Gaza war, condemn Israel over civilian deaths

The Netherlands and 25 other countries have jointly condemned Israel's conduct in Gaza and are calling for an immediate end to the war. In a strongly worded statement issued at the initiative of the United Kingdom, the nations accuse Israel of systematically obstructing humanitarian aid and killing Palestinians as they try to collect food or water.

“It is horrifying that more than 800 Palestinians have been killed while seeking assistance,” the statement reads. The countries describe Israel’s restrictions on aid access as “unacceptable” and demand the immediate removal of all such limitations.

The group also expressed firm opposition to Israel’s reported plans to establish a so-called “humanitarian city” in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of civilians could be confined. “Such plans are completely unacceptable,” the countries wrote.

Critics have likened the proposed site to a concentration camp. The signatories declared: “We strongly oppose any steps toward territorial or demographic changes in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.”

The statement also condemns Hamas, which continues to hold Israeli hostages abducted during the October 7, 2023, attack. “We condemn their continued captivity and call for their immediate and unconditional release,” the countries said.

The signatories stressed their willingness to take “further steps” to push for an immediate cease-fire and a political path toward peace and security.

In addition to the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, the signatories include Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Poland, Japan, Switzerland, and Sweden.