International officials, including EU representatives and 26 foreign ministers, advocate for non-governmental organizations to gain entry into Gaza

In a joint declaration, representatives from 26 Western countries, the European Union Commission, and several other nations have called for immediate action to address the unfolding famine in the Gaza Strip. The declaration, signed by the Foreign Ministers of most EU countries, as well as representatives from Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, and the UK, among others, demands that the Israeli government grant immediate and permanent access to the Palestinian territory for the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, and humanitarian actors [1].

The current humanitarian aid delivery situation in Gaza is critically insufficient, with civilians and aid workers facing severe challenges. According to reports, Israeli authorities have allowed only a very limited quantity of aid into Gaza, far below what is needed to prevent widespread starvation, especially as fighting and displacement intensify [2]. Humanitarian partners report a 74% reduction in meals provided compared to earlier in 2025, despite some food being allowed through crossings such as Zikim and Kerem Shalom [1].

The situation is further compounded by the high number of casualties near aid sites due to clashes and crowding. Over 1,500 fatalities have been reported since May 2025, among civilians trying to access food distribution points near Israeli-controlled checkpoints [1][3].

The joint declaration states that all border crossings and routes should be utilized to facilitate a flood of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The declaration also emphasizes that aid must not be politicized and that humanitarian space must be protected [4].

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently reaffirmed that there is no famine in the Gaza Strip. However, he has also stated that the only ones going hungry in Gaza are the hostages held by Hamas [5]. The Israeli government denies restricting aid flow and cites security concerns [2]. However, UN and humanitarian sources report systematic blocking of sufficient aid volumes and policies contributing to the humanitarian emergency [2][3]. Israel also threatens to ban some major aid organizations over NGO registration disputes, further endangering aid delivery [3].

The urgent appeal for humanitarian aid comes amid escalating military operations and forced displacements, which heighten the urgency of access and protection for civilians [2]. The international community is calling for immediate, large-scale unimpeded access for humanitarian aid, emphasizing the need for food, water, medical supplies, fuel, and shelter to reach civilians and for the protection of humanitarian workers and civilians at distribution sites [4].

References:

[1] Human Rights Watch. (2025). Gaza: Israel Must Allow Unimpeded Access to Aid. [online] Available at: https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/08/01/gaza-israel-must-allow-unimpeded-access-aid

[2] Amnesty International. (2025). Israel/Gaza: Urgent action needed to stop the famine. [online] Available at: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/08/israelgaza-urgent-action-needed-to-stop-the-famine/

[3] United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). (2025). Gaza: Humanitarian Bulletin 11-2025. [online] Available at: https://www.ochaopt.org/content/gaza-humanitarian-bulletin-11-2025

[4] Oxfam. (2025). Urgent: Aid must be allowed to reach Gaza now. [online] Available at: https://www.oxfam.org/en/pressroom/pressreleases/2025-08-02-urgent-aid-must-be-allowed-reach-gaza-now

[5] The Jerusalem Post. (2025). Netanyahu: There is no famine in Gaza, only hostages held by Hamas are going hungry. [online] Available at: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/netanyahu-there-is-no-famine-in-gaza-only-hostages-held-by-hamas-are-going-hungry-670148

International officials, including EU representatives and 26 foreign ministers, advocate for non-governmental organizations to gain entry into Gaza