Six European nations reject ‘any demographic or territorial change’ in Gaza

Six European countries say that they “firmly reject any demographic or territorial change in Gaza” after Israel announced plans to expand its military offensive in the Strip.

Israel’s plan “would mark a new and dangerous escalation” in the war, the foreign ministers of Spain, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway and Slovenia say in a joint statement.

The foreign ministers, who apart from Luxembourg represent countries that have recognized a Palestinian state, say the plans would “cross another line” and “endanger any perspective of a viable two-state solution” to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

A military escalation would “worsen an already catastrophic situation” for Palestinian civilians and endanger the lives of hostages held in Gaza, they add.

The ministers also ask Israel to “immediately lift the blockade” it has imposed on Gaza-bound humanitarian aid that has caused shortages of food, fuel and medicine and increased fears of famine.

“What is needed more urgently than ever is the resumption of the ceasefire and the unconditional release of all the hostages,” they say.