Story Highlight
– Nine countries back statement on Israel’s Gaza occupation.
– Israel’s actions risk legal consequences, say foreign ministers.
– Occupation could worsen humanitarian situation and hostages’ safety.
– Statement criticized for lacking strong condemnation of Israel.
– Germany to stop arms exports to Israel amidst conflict.
Full Story
A coalition of nine European nations, including Austria, Germany, Italy, Norway, and the United Kingdom, has issued a statement expressing serious concerns over Israel’s decision to assume control of Gaza. While refraining from the strong condemnation articulated earlier by France and Canada, these foreign ministers warned that Israel could face legal repercussions for its actions.
The group clearly stated its disapproval of Israel’s plans, asserting that such moves would “aggravate the catastrophic humanitarian situation” and further endanger hostages held by Hamas. The statement emphasized that “the plans that the government of Israel has announced risk violating international humanitarian law,” and highlighted that any efforts towards annexation or extending settlements are unlawful under international standards.
France, which only endorsed this statement on Saturday after consultations with Germany, Italy, and the UK, had earlier declared its strong condemnation of Israel’s military strategy. Similarly, Canada issued its own statement rebuffing the intended occupation, joining later in support of the nine-country statement.
Beate Meinl-Reisinger, the foreign minister of Austria, expressed her nation’s stance on social media, stating, “We reject any unilateral change to the territorial or demographic status of the Gaza Strip.”
This unified intervention from the nine countries follows Israel’s announcement of a comprehensive takeover of Gaza City after extensive bombardment, although it has faced criticism for its cautious language. Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, a supporter of the statement, voiced her disappointment with the choice of words, questioning, “Why the muted language in face of catastrophe?”
In a related development, Germany announced on Friday that it would cease arms exports to Israel, signaling a shift in its support in light of the escalating conflict.
This article has been updated to include the full list of countries that endorsed the statement released on Saturday.
