Germany, France, Britain, and Italy accuse Israel of fueling a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, while Israel counters with claims of Hamas manipulation and aid looting.
The diplomatic temperature soared on Friday as Germany, France, and Britain issued a scathing joint statement, accusing Israel of obstructing vital humanitarian aid into Gaza and exacerbating what they labeled a “mass starvation crisis.”
“Withholding essential humanitarian assistance is unacceptable,” the statement declared. “Israel must uphold its obligations under international humanitarian law.”
The three nations called for immediate, unrestricted aid access, demanding Israel allow the UN and NGOs to operate freely inside the enclave. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani joined the outcry, denouncing the ongoing “carnage and famine” as morally indefensible.
Their rebuke followed a grim alert from the World Food Program:
“Gaza is experiencing an astonishing level of desperation. Nearly 1 in 3 residents are going days without food… 90,000 women and children urgently need malnutrition treatment.”
The joint European powers also issued a clear political demand:
“The time has come to end the war in Gaza.”
🇮🇱 Israel Pushes Back: “No Famine in Gaza”
In response, Israeli security officials rejected the famine allegations, asserting that although the humanitarian situation is difficult, “there is no famine in Gaza City.”
They cited military gains from Operation Gideon’s Chariots, stating Israel has captured 75% of Gaza, with over 2 million residents now crowded into just 25% of the Strip. Despite the dire conditions, Israeli officials pointed fingers at Hamas for orchestrating what they dubbed a “starvation campaign” to pressure Israel at the negotiating table in Doha.
Officials also revealed plans to expand aid efforts, including resuming airdrops. Jordan is reportedly preparing to begin its own humanitarian airlifts.
🚛 Aid Shipments Hijacked? Looting Allegations Surface
In a dramatic revelation, a senior Israeli source told Kan Reshet Bet Radio that aid trucks entering Gaza are being regularly looted — not only by Hamas militants but also by desperate civilians. Some trucks reportedly lose up to 50% of their cargo before reaching intended recipients.
Still, aid continues to trickle in. On Wednesday:
- ~70 trucks from the UN and humanitarian groups crossed into Gaza via the Zikim (north) and Kerem Shalom (south) crossings.
- 150+ aid trucks were cleared for collection inside Gaza after coordination between the IDF, UN, and international partners.
🔍 What’s at Stake?
The tensions come amid:
- Rising international pressure on Israel to secure a ceasefire.
- Ongoing hostage negotiations that may involve increased aid concessions.
- Mounting civilian suffering compounded by blocked routes, militant interference, and infrastructure collapse.
