Foreign ministers from eight European countries, namely Spain, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, and Slovenia, have issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s planned offensive in the Gaza Strip. The offensive, which is set to target the city of Gaza itself, is expected to displace between eight hundred thousand and one million Palestinians, many of whom have already been forcibly displaced from other areas within the enclave. The Israeli government’s proposal involves a mandatory evacuation order for residents, granting them two months to leave before military action begins.

The ministers have expressed severe concerns that this operation will exacerbate the existing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and pose greater risks to hostages held by Palestinian militias. They predict an unacceptably high death toll and the forced displacement of nearly one million civilians as a direct result of the planned operation.

Additionally, the foreign ministers reject any demographic or territorial changes in occupied Palestinian territories, stating that such actions would violate international law and humanitarian standards. They believe that the proposed offensive poses a significant obstacle to achieving a two-state solution, which they consider crucial for lasting peace in the region.

In their statement, they insist that the Gaza Strip must remain an integral part of the State of Palestine and that permanent recognition of both Palestine and Israel will guarantee security for both parties while ensuring regional stability. They have called for immediate measures to resolve the ongoing conflict, including an immediate ceasefire, the permanent cessation of hostilities, and the rapid, unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid. Furthermore, they concur that Hamas should not have a role in Gaza’s future governance or security arrangements and must be disarmed.