Israel rejects European call to end Gaza war as 'out of touch'

Israel has rejected a joint European call to halt its offensive in Gaza, calling the statement "out of touch with reality" and blaming Hamas for prolonging the conflict.

Israel's Foreign Ministry has criticised a joint statement by 28 countries, including France, Belgium and Britain, calling for an immediate end to the conflict in Gaza. The foreign ministers condemned what they described as Israel’s dangerous aid policies and the worsening humanitarian crisis, saying Israel must comply with international humanitarian law.

"The Israeli government's aid delivery model is dangerous, fuels instability and deprives the people of Gaza of their human dignity," the statement said. It also decried the "inhumane killings of civilians, including children," and a “trickle-down” approach to humanitarian aid.

In response, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein said the statement sent "the wrong signal" to Hamas and failed to hold the group accountable. "Hamas, which started this war and continues to prolong it, is deliberately acting to escalate tensions and harm civilians who come for humanitarian aid," he said.

Israel’s military coordination body, COGAT, denied claims of blocking aid, stating there is "no ban or restriction on the import of baby food into Gaza" and calling for continued cooperation with international groups.

In January, Israel barred the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating in Gaza, accusing it of ignoring Hamas infiltration. Aid distribution was transferred to the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Fund, which has faced logistical challenges and criticism from humanitarian groups. Several deaths have occurred at aid sites due to stampedes or live fire.

Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas are ongoing in Qatar but have yet to yield results.

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