The foreign ministers of Britain, Australia, Germany, Italy, and New Zealand today, Saturday, expressed their strong condemnation of a decision by the Israeli “so-called” security cabinet to launch a new, large-scale military operation in Gaza.
In a joint statement published on the official website of the British Foreign Office, the ministers declared: “The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom strongly reject the decision by the Israeli security cabinet on August 8 to launch an additional, large-scale military operation in Gaza.”
The statement added: “This decision will worsen the catastrophic humanitarian situation, endanger the lives of hostages, and increase the risk of mass displacement of civilians. The plans announced by the Government of Israel threaten to violate international humanitarian law. Any attempt to annex territory or expand settlements constitutes a violation of international law.”
The statement continued: “We urge the parties and the international community to make every effort to end this horrific conflict immediately, through an immediate and permanent ceasefire that allows for the widespread, immediate, and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, in light of the worst-case famine scenarios looming in Gaza. Hamas must release all captives without further delay or preconditions and ensure they are treated humanely and not subjected to cruelty and humiliation,” according to the statement.
