The United Kingdom and 24 other countries have issued a strongly worded statement condemning Israel's handling of humanitarian aid in Gaza. The group described the ongoing civilian casualties as horrifying and accused Israel of deliberately restricting the flow of essential supplies to starving and desperate people. The statement, unprecedented in its tone, marks a significant increase in international pressure on Israel amid worsening conditions in the enclave.
The countries called Israel’s approach to aid delivery “dangerous” and “depriving Gazans of human dignity,” accusing the Israeli government of contributing to instability by effectively drip-feeding aid in a way that puts civilians at risk. They also criticized the killing of hundreds of Palestinians who were attempting to access food, water, and other basic necessities.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, speaking in Parliament, denounced Israel's aid operations as inhumane and unsafe. He announced a further £40 million in British humanitarian assistance to Gaza, including £7.5 million for UK-Med, a charity providing critical medical care in the Strip. Lammy made clear that the UK supports a political solution and emphasized that “there is no military path to peace.” He stated bluntly that “the next ceasefire must be the last,” and called for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas.
At the same time, Lammy condemned any vision of mass forced displacement of Palestinians, referring to remarks by Israeli officials suggesting that Gaza’s population could be driven into Rafah or out of the territory altogether. “This is a cruel vision that must never come to pass,” he said. He reiterated support for Israel’s right to exist but warned that its current actions are causing severe harm to its global reputation and long-term security.
Lammy also addressed the UK’s support for a reformed Palestinian Authority, making it clear that Hamas should have no role in the future governance of Gaza. He pledged £20 million for services supporting Palestinian refugees and confirmed that the UK is helping lead talks on a long-term two-state solution.
Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel also called for increased humanitarian access, questioning the government on its plans to pressure Hamas into a ceasefire and on what tangible steps had been taken to facilitate more secure and effective aid delivery.
Meanwhile, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an Israeli-linked organization delivering limited food aid under armed guard, has come under fire. The UN and other aid agencies have refused to cooperate with the GHF, citing safety concerns and politicization of its operations. Despite GHF’s calls for collaboration, hundreds of civilians have reportedly died at its distribution points in recent weeks. Critics argue the model is deeply flawed and fails to meet the vast humanitarian need.
Among the most recent incidents, dozens of civilians have been killed at aid points. Reports include 67 deaths near UN aid trucks, 39 deaths at southern aid sites, 21 crushed during a distribution event, and several children killed while fetching water or waiting at clinics. These deaths have led to widespread international condemnation and renewed scrutiny of Israeli tactics.
Israel rejected the joint statement from the 25 nations. The country’s foreign ministry called it disconnected from reality and accused the signatories of ignoring Hamas’s role in the conflict. Israel insists it has agreed to ceasefire proposals and blames Hamas for refusing to engage.
Nonetheless, diplomatic experts say the collective tone of the statement reflects a new phase of political pressure. Analysts suggest that some European countries, including the UK and France, are actively considering formal recognition of a Palestinian state—an option they have not previously pursued but may now be weighing as leverage.
As the Israeli military launched its first ground operation in Deir al-Balah, a central Gaza city previously spared from incursions, humanitarian organizations warned that the situation was deteriorating rapidly. Rachel Cummings of Save the Children described hearing bombardments while sheltering nearby and noted that evacuation orders are now routine, with displaced people pushed into increasingly overcrowded southern zones.
Pope Leo added his voice to the appeals, warning against the indiscriminate use of force and the forced displacement of Palestinians. He urged immediate humanitarian access and called attention to the deaths of civilians sheltering in religious institutions, including a Catholic church recently struck by Israeli forces.
The statement by the 25 nations urges Israel to lift all restrictions on humanitarian access, allow full entry for UN agencies and NGOs, and comply with international law. It also denounces proposals to relocate Gaza's population or alter the territory’s demographics as violations of humanitarian principles.
Despite international condemnation, aid blockages, and diplomatic engagement, there is still no agreement on a durable ceasefire. The humanitarian crisis is worsening by the day, and the path to peace remains elusive amid mounting civilian deaths, deep political divides, and ongoing military operations.