TWENTY‑EIGHT COUNTRIES CALL FOR IMMEDIATE END TO GAZA WAR
A coalition of 28 nations has issued a joint declaration demanding an immediate end to the war in Gaza, marking one of the strongest multilateral calls for a ceasefire since the conflict erupted. The statement, released by foreign ministers from Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and several regional blocs, urged Israel and Hamas to halt hostilities to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe and open the way for political negotiations.
The joint statement included signatories from major Western powers such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, Australia, and Japan, alongside a majority of European Union member states. In a forceful message, the ministers stated, “The war in Gaza must end now. Civilian suffering has reached an intolerable level, and humanitarian access must be guaranteed immediately and without restrictions.”
The declaration highlighted mounting concerns over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. According to U.N. agencies, over 80% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, and critical infrastructure—including hospitals, water systems, and shelters—has been devastated. The signatories specifically criticized what they described as a “drip-feeding” of aid into the enclave, warning that current delivery mechanisms were failing to meet even minimum survival needs for the population. Reports of civilian casualties during food and water distribution further fueled international outrage.
Provisions within the statement called for:
- A full and immediate ceasefire on both sides.
- Unhindered humanitarian corridors under U.N. supervision.
- The release of all hostages held by Hamas.
- A framework for negotiations aimed at a two-state solution and lasting regional stability.
While the statement was widely welcomed by humanitarian organizations, it also exposed fractures in the international response. The United States notably did not sign the declaration, instead maintaining its stance of supporting Israel’s right to self-defense while advocating for “measured steps” to minimize civilian harm. Israel dismissed the statement as “misguided,” arguing that Hamas’ continued rocket fire and refusal to surrender justified ongoing military action.
On the ground, the announcement comes amid reports of escalating Israeli operations in central and southern Gaza. Aid agencies have warned that famine and disease outbreaks are looming if the fighting continues. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres endorsed the 28-nation declaration, calling it a “vital step toward ending a cycle of destruction.”
Diplomatically, the joint call signals increasing pressure on both Israel and Hamas to consider ceasefire negotiations. Analysts suggest that such a broad consensus among U.S. allies may complicate Israel’s diplomatic standing if the war continues unabated. Some also see the statement as a precursor to potential U.N. Security Council action, although any resolution would likely face challenges due to geopolitical divides.
For Gaza’s civilians, the statement brings cautious hope but also skepticism. Past ceasefire calls have failed to halt the violence, and with no immediate mechanism to enforce the declaration, the situation remains fragile. However, the unprecedented unity among 28 nations reflects a shifting international mood: a growing recognition that without decisive action, Gaza faces an even deeper humanitarian collapse.
The coming weeks will reveal whether this joint declaration can translate into tangible change on the ground or remain another diplomatic plea amid one of the most destructive chapters in the region’s modern history.