As residents waiting for aid in the Gaza Strip of Palestine become victims of the Israeli military, criticism from the international community toward Israel is intensifying.
On the 21st (local time), 28 countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan, issued a joint statement proclaiming an urgent message that "the war in the Gaza Strip must end now."
The 28 countries in the statement noted that "the suffering of civilians in the Gaza Strip has entered a new phase" and condemned the inhumane killing of civilians that occurred while trying to meet basic needs such as water and food.
According to the Gaza health authorities, at least 125 Palestinians died at GHF aid distribution centers on the 19th and 20th. Witnesses claimed that the Israeli military opened fire, but the Israeli military maintains that it only fired warning shots.
The statement further criticized the Israeli government for its method of delivering aid, describing it as a model that "creates danger and instability while undermining the dignity of the residents of Gaza."
Israel has imposed a blockade on the Gaza Strip, citing the theft of aid supplies by the militant group Hamas. Since May, it has been distributing aid supplies in a limited manner through the Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF) supported by the United States.
Religious leaders and European monarchs have also joined in the criticism.
Pope Leo XIV reiterated his call, stating that "the barbaric war must immediately cease, and a peaceful solution must be sought."
King Philippe of Belgium pointed out in a public speech that "this situation has persisted for too long. It is a disgrace to humanity."
This statement was joined by five of the Group of Seven (G7) nations: France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada. However, the United States and Germany, key allies of Israel, did not participate.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry immediately rebutted the statement, claiming it is "out of touch with reality and sends a wrong message to Hamas."
Spokesperson Oren Marmo Stein of the Israeli Foreign Ministry stated, "Hamas bears the sole responsibility for the continuation of the war and the suffering of both sides."
The Gaza war, which erupted following Hamas's surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, has continued for 22 months.
The Gaza health authorities reported that due to Israeli retaliation military strikes, more than 59,000 Palestinians have died so far.