The United Kingdom, alongside 27 other nations including France, Canada, Japan, and Australia, has issued a strongly worded condemnation of Israel’s conduct in Gaza, describing its aid strategy as “inhumane” and calling for an immediate end to the war. The joint statement, which represents a notable shift in diplomatic candour, criticizes Israel’s “drip feeding” of humanitarian assistance and the “inhumane killing of civilians, including children,” who are desperately seeking food and water.
The condemnation comes amid growing international concern over the spiralling humanitarian crisis in Gaza. According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, over 100 civilians were killed by Israeli fire over the weekend while queuing for aid, and 19 others died from malnutrition. The UN and aid groups warn the situation has reached “new levels of desperation,” with 90,000 women and children urgently needing treatment for hunger-related conditions.
The current aid delivery model, led by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and supported by the U.S. and Israel, is under scrutiny. It operates in Israeli military zones and is guarded by private contractors. The UN has refused to participate, citing concerns over safety and violations of humanitarian principles. The UN Human Rights Office has recorded over 875 deaths around aid delivery sites since the system began.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, while reaffirming support for Israel’s right to security, warned that its current strategy “is doing untold damage to Israel’s standing in the world.” He announced an additional £40 million in UK humanitarian aid for Gaza, stressing the need for an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire.”
Israel has rejected the joint condemnation, accusing Hamas of spreading misinformation and deliberately endangering civilians. The Israeli military insists it is working to minimise civilian harm and continues to coordinate aid access through international partners.
The 28 nations’ statement also rejected Israel’s proposal to relocate Gaza’s population to a “humanitarian city” in Rafah, calling it a violation of international law. The joint declaration hinted at future diplomatic pressure, potentially including recognition of a Palestinian state, to secure a long-term path to peace and security.
