A coalition of nations, including Australia and 23 other countries along with the European Union, has voiced deep concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing the situation as “unimaginable” as famine looms. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, alongside her international counterparts, issued a statement asserting that “famine is unfolding before our eyes,” urging Israel to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid and ease operational restrictions on foreign aid organisations.
The collective statement aims to persuade Israel to reconsider its stringent new registration requirements for international non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Officials warned that unless these restrictions are lifted, critical aid providers might soon be compelled to exit the Occupied Palestinian Territories, worsening the already dire humanitarian situation.
The foreign ministers emphasised the urgent need for immediate action to combat the threat of starvation, calling for the protection of humanitarian operations and denouncing the politicisation of aid. Nations such as Australia, France, Canada, and the UK have urged Israel to authorise all international humanitarian shipments and ensure that essential NGOs can operate freely.
Concrete measures are required to allow unfettered access for humanitarian partners, with a focus on facilitating the flow of critical supplies including food, medical aid, clean water, and shelter to Gaza, said Wong and her colleagues. They highlighted the importance of safeguarding distribution sites from violence and ensuring the safety of civilians and aid workers.
The United Nations has echoed these calls, denouncing Israel’s recent mandates that require NGOs to disclose sensitive information about their staff, warning that non-compliance could result in the deregistration of many foreign aid groups, thus halting their operations entirely. Presently, numerous NGOs are unable to send supplies to Gaza due to these rules.
The humanitarian crisis escalated after the onset of hostilities following the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which led to widespread destruction and a staggering death toll among Palestinians, reported at over 61,400 by Gaza’s Health Ministry. The conflict has dislodged countless Gazans, pushing the territory painfully close to famine.
The foreign ministers have expressed gratitude to the US, Qatar, and Egypt for their diplomatic efforts and called for a ceasefire conducive to ending the conflict, including the release of hostages and unhindered humanitarian access.
In summary, the ongoing crisis presents an urgent call for unified international action to prevent further suffering in Gaza, ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those in need without delay or obstruction.