Gaza suffering has reached 'unimaginable' levels, say 26 foreign ministers

Britain, Canada, Australia and several European allies said on Tuesday that Gaza’s humanitarian crisis had reached “unimaginable levels,” urging Israel to allow unrestricted aid into the enclave.

In a joint statement by the foreign ministers of 24 countries, they warned famine was “unfolding before our eyes” and called for the authorisation of all international NGO shipments and the unblocking of humanitarian operations.

The statement urged Israel to open all crossings for food, water, medicine, fuel and shelter supplies. Israel denies responsibility for hunger in Gaza, accusing Hamas of diverting aid- a claim Hamas rejects- but recently announced limited measures to increase deliveries.

Signatories included Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Japan, and the EU’s foreign policy chief, though some EU states, including Germany and Hungary, did not sign.

Germany is Israel's staunch supporter in the EU, despite its drastic move to halt the export of military equipment to Israel last week.

Israel has until recently enjoyed broad support across the political spectrum in Germany, a country still seeking to atone for the World War II murder of more than six million Jews.

The EU struck a deal last month to increase aid access to Gaza but senior officials have said the agreement has not been implemented fully.