The key facts
- The foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, Italy and the UK urged Israel to immediately allow 150,000 tents and humanitarian cargo into Gaza
- The statement noted that the first winter flooding worsened the suffering of the civilian population
- The diplomats called the crisis 'fully reversible' and urged all parties to uphold the ceasefire
Joint demand from four countries
The foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, Italy and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement on Sunday, calling on Israel to 'immediately stop the delays' and allow the entry of 150,000 tents and critically important materials into Gaza before the onset of winter. The diplomats noted that with the arrival of winter, the humanitarian situation in the territory is 'severe,' and recent flooding after the first winter storm has worsened the suffering of the civilian population. According to them, border restrictions are blocking urgently needed shelter items and aid.
What the diplomats are demanding
The ministers emphasized that the crisis remains 'fully reversible' before harsher weather arrives, and called on Israel to open border crossings, as well as to allow the entry of 'dual-use items' needed for humanitarian operations and early recovery, 'before it is too late.' In addition, they appealed to all parties to uphold the ceasefire, follow international humanitarian law, and implement the Comprehensive Plan for Gaza, so that aid reaches vulnerable population groups. The statement does not include a response from the Israeli side; it remains unknown whether the operation of the crossings will change after this appeal.
