<h6><strong>Eduardo González</strong></h6> <h4><strong>Spain and all 25 humanitarian partners for aid to Gaza have demanded that Israel allow the “full and immediate resumption” of aid to the Palestinian enclave and allow the UN and humanitarian organizations “to work independently and impartially to save lives, reduce suffering, and maintain dignity.”</strong></h4> “While we recognize that there are signs of a limited resumption of aid, Israel has blocked the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza for more than two months,” the joint statement reads. “Food, medicine, and essential supplies are depleted. The population is facing starvation. The people of Gaza must receive the aid they desperately need,” continues the text, signed by the foreign ministers of Germany, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Sweden, as well as by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, the EU Commissioner for Equality, Crisis Preparedness and Management, and the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean. “Before the aid blockade,” the statement continues, “the UN and humanitarian NGOs delivered aid to Gaza, working with great courage, risking their lives, and facing major access difficulties imposed by Israel.” “These organizations adhere to the defense of humanitarian principles, operating independently, with neutrality, impartiality, and humanity. They have the logistical capacity, experience, and operational coverage necessary to provide assistance throughout Gaza to those who need it most,” it adds. “Apparently, Israel’s security cabinet has approved a new model for aid delivery in Gaza, which the UN and our humanitarian partners cannot support,” the text warns. “They are clear that they will not participate in any agreement that does not fully respect humanitarian principles,” it continues. According to the signatories, “humanitarian principles are important in all conflicts around the world and must be applied consistently in all war zones.” “The UN is concerned that the proposed model cannot deliver aid effectively, at the speed and scale required. It endangers beneficiaries and humanitarian workers, undermines the role and independence of the UN and our trusted partners, and links humanitarian aid to political and military objectives,” they continue. “Humanitarian aid must never be politicized, and the Palestinian territory must not be reduced or subjected to any demographic change,” the statement warns. Therefore, “as humanitarian donors, we have two clear messages for the Government of Israel: to allow the full and immediate resumption of aid to Gaza and to allow the UN and humanitarian organizations to work independently and impartially to save lives, reduce suffering, and maintain dignity. We remain committed to addressing the pressing needs we see in Gaza.” “We also reiterate our strong message that Hamas must immediately release all hostages still held and allow humanitarian aid to be distributed without interference. We firmly believe that an immediate return to the ceasefire and working toward the implementation of a two-state solution are the only way to bring peace and security to Israelis and Palestinians and to ensure long-term stability for the entire region,” it concludes.
