In a rare unified call, 25 countries and a senior European Union official on Monday demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, condemning what they described as a deepening humanitarian catastrophe.

“The war in Gaza must end now,” the joint statement declared, signed by foreign ministers from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

The diplomats cited soaring civilian deaths, collapsing basic services, and Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid as violations of international law that are worsening instability and denying dignity to Palestinians.

“Lethal attacks on civilians seeking food and water and the continued blockade cannot be justified,” the statement said, noting that more than 800 Palestinians have reportedly been killed while trying to access aid.

The ministers rejected Israeli proposals to relocate civilians into so-called “humanitarian cities,” calling such plans unlawful and inhumane. They also warned that Israel’s ongoing settlement expansion, including the controversial E1 project, undermines any prospect of a viable Palestinian state and jeopardizes a two-state solution.

The statement reiterated a demand for the immediate, unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas since October 7, 2023, and endorsed continued mediation efforts led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt.

“Only a negotiated ceasefire can end the suffering of hostages, stop the killing of civilians, and open a path toward a political resolution,” the group concluded.