RAMALLAH, August 12, 2025 (WAFA) – 27 countries and organizations on Tuesday called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
“We need a ceasefire that can end the war, for hostages to be released and aid to enter Gaza by land unhindered,” the Foreign Ministers of 26 countries said in a joint press statement.
“The humanitarian suffering in Gaza has reached unimaginable levels. Famine is unfolding before our eyes. Urgent action is needed now to halt and reverse starvation. Humanitarian space must be protected, and aid should never be politicised,” they added.
They pointed out that “due to restrictive new registration requirements, essential international NGOs may be forced to leave the OPTs imminently which would worsen the humanitarian situation still further.”
They called on the Israeli occupation authorities to “provide authorisation for all international NGO aid shipments and to unblock essential humanitarian actors from operating.”
They stressed that “Immediate, permanent and concrete steps must be taken to facilitate safe, large-scale access for the UN, international NGOs and humanitarian partners.”
They also stressed that “All crossings and routes must be used to allow a flood of aid into Gaza, including food, nutrition supplies, shelter, fuel, clean water, medicine and medical equipment. Lethal force must not be used at distribution sites, and civilians, humanitarians and medical workers must be protected.”
They extended their gratitude to the US, Qatar and Egypt for “their efforts in pushing for a ceasefire and pursuing peace.”
The joint statement was signed by the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.
It was also signed by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean, and the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management.
K.F.
