The UK, alongside Germany and France, has issued a stern warning that Israel’s recent actions, specifically the cessation of aid deliveries into Gaza amidst a severe humanitarian crisis, could constitute a breach of international law.
The Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, together with his French and German colleagues, has called for Israel and Hamas to resume constructive dialogue to revitalise ceasefire negotiations.
Israel’s decision to stop humanitarian aid aims to pressure Hamas into amending the ceasefire terms to include the release of hostages without requiring Israeli troop withdrawal.
This stalemate jeopardises the continuation of a ceasefire that commenced six weeks ago and was due to advance to its next phase last weekend.
The Foreign Ministers expressed serious concern over the potential violation of international humanitarian law due to Israel’s embargo on all essentials entering Gaza.
They emphasized the importance of both parties returning to the negotiation table to forge a sustainable peace agreement, which would include a two-state solution.
The joint statement highlighted the necessity of maintaining the ceasefire, demanding the unconditional release of all Israeli hostages and an end to their inhumane treatment.
It strongly urged the Israeli government to adhere to international obligations ensuring the uninterrupted and safe delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza’s population, including medical supplies and basic sanitation needs, which are severely restricted under Israel’s dual-use items list.
The ministers reiterated that humanitarian aid must not be used as leverage or a political tool and stressed that the civilians in Gaza, who have endured extensive suffering, must be allowed to rebuild their lives.
Despite Israel’s previous denials of blocking aid, attributed to other reasons, the ceasefire had allowed aid deliveries to resume to about 600 trucks daily, mainly transporting food.
However, the dire conditions in Gaza, including the lack of potable water, destroyed medical facilities, inadequate shelter, and untreated sewage, pose ongoing threats to its 2.2 million residents.
