Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza Sparks International Outcry
A coalition of seven European nations has issued a joint call urging Israel to immediately end its blockade and military assault on Gaza, warning of a fast-worsening humanitarian catastrophe in the besieged territory.
The leaders of Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Slovenia, Spain, and Norway released a statement on Friday expressing grave concern over the continued closure of Gaza’s borders since March 2, which has halted the entry of food, medical supplies, and basic necessities.
“We will not be silent in front of the man-made humanitarian catastrophe that is taking place before our eyes in Gaza,” the statement read.
The appeal adds to mounting international pressure on Israel, as global institutions and humanitarian organizations sound the alarm on severe shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicine for Gaza’s 2.4 million residents.
Over 50,000 Dead; Risk of Mass Starvation Grows
The European leaders condemned the blockade and military operations that have led to the deaths of more than 50,000 people, with thousands more at risk due to what rights groups describe as deliberate starvation tactics.
“Many more could starve to death in the coming days and weeks unless immediate action is taken,” the leaders warned.
The Council of Europe also issued a stark warning, calling the situation in Gaza one of “deliberate starvation” and stating that current Israeli actions may be “sowing the seeds for the next Hamas.”
UN and Aid Agencies Say Relief Is Ready, Just Needs Approval
United Nations aid chief Tom Fletcher stated on Friday that more than 160,000 pallets of relief supplies and 9,000 trucks are fully prepared to enter Gaza.
“We have the people. We have the distribution networks. We have the aid itself – 160,000 pallets of it – ready to move. Now,” Fletcher said.
He criticized delays caused by alternative proposals and emphasized the urgency of safe, rapid, and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance.
The UN, along with several humanitarian agencies, continues to advocate for the resumption of traditional aid routes that are independent, neutral, and community-trusted.
Controversy Around U.S.-Backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation
In contrast to UN appeals, the U.S. and Israel are promoting an alternative aid mechanism: the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S.-backed NGO planning to coordinate aid delivery with private American security and logistics firms.
Though the foundation aims to begin operations by the end of May, it has faced criticism over its lack of neutrality and unclear funding sources. The UN has refused to collaborate with the foundation, citing its structure as politically compromised.
Despite this, the foundation has requested that Israel allow UN and other aid agencies to resume their operations until its infrastructure is in place, stating this is essential to relieve the current humanitarian pressure.
Hamas Ties Aid Access to Ceasefire Talks
Senior Hamas official Basem Naim reiterated that aid access is a non-negotiable prerequisite for any ceasefire agreement with Israel.
“Access to food, water, and medicine is a fundamental human right – not a subject for negotiation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Israel maintains that the blockade and ongoing military pressure are intended to force Hamas to release remaining captives, while critics argue the policy is collective punishment of civilians.
