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In a joint statement released today, the Foreign Ministers of 26 European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden, expressed their deep concern over the escalating situation in Gaza.
“We are very concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the suffering of the hostages as well as the Israeli government’s plans for a possible ground operation in Rafah, where well over a million Palestinians are currently sheltering from the fighting,” the ministers stated.
The ministers recognized Israel’s right to self-defense in line with international law and international humanitarian law. However, they urged the Israeli Government to refrain from military action in Rafah. “We ask the Israeli Government not to take military action in Rafah that would worsen an already catastrophic humanitarian situation and prevent the urgently needed provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance,” they said.
The ministers reiterated the importance of protecting all civilians at all times in accordance with International Humanitarian Law. They also called for respect for the International Court of Justice’s order dated 26 January, which is legally binding.
The statement concluded with a call for an immediate humanitarian pause, leading to a sustainable ceasefire. “This requires an immediate humanitarian pause that would lead to a sustainable ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian assistance,” the ministers emphasized.
