Global Outcry Over Gaza Aid Deaths as Israel Launches New Offensive

Dozens killed seeking aid; 25 nations condemn Israeli actions

International outrage has erupted after Israeli forces reportedly killed over 100 individuals seeking humanitarian aid in Gaza over the weekend. Coinciding with the announcement of a new Israeli military push into central Gaza, a coalition of 25 foreign ministers has issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s aid delivery practices.

‘Unacceptable’ Aid Denial

The foreign ministers, representing nations across Europe, North America, and Oceania, stated that the Israeli government’s approach to aid distribution is detrimental, fostering instability and stripping Gazans of their human dignity. They declared the denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population as unacceptable and demanded Israel’s adherence to international humanitarian law.

The IDF fired warning shots to remove an immediate threat posed to them. The number of casualties reported does not align with the information held by the IDF. Hamas militants seek to create friction, and the IDF views the transfer of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip as a matter of utmost importance, and works to enable and facilitate its entry in coordination with the international community.

— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) July 20, 2025

Israel Cites Threats, Disputes Casualty Figures

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a social media post, maintained that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) fired warning shots in order to remove an immediate threat posed to them on Sunday. The ministry also stated that the number of casualties reported does not align with the information held by the IDF, attributing alleged disruptions to Hamas militants.

Key Nations Abstain from Joint Statement

Notably absent from the signatories were the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. The United States and Germany have consistently backed Israel since the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas.

However, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed his deepest concern about the catastrophic humanitarian situation to his Israeli counterpart, urging urgent… implementation of the agreements with the EU to facilitate humanitarian aid.

Escalating Military Action in Central Gaza

The diplomatic fallout intensifies as Israel announced a new ground and air offensive in Deir al-Balah, a central Gaza city, on Monday. This military action follows a weekend marked by intense violence and reported deaths of aid seekers. The ongoing conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations reporting that over 70% of Gaza’s population is now displaced due to the hostilities (UNRWA, 2025).

The statement was signed by the foreign ministers of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the U.K., Norway, Japan, Iceland, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.