An Israeli official has criticized a joint statement by 28 nations urging an immediate ceasefire in Gaza as ‘wrong and dangerous,’ claiming it undermines ongoing negotiations with Hamas.
Prime Ministerial adviser Dmitry Gendelman accused the statement, signed by more than a dozen EU nations, Britain, Japan, Canada, Australia, Norway, New Zealand, Switzerland, and others, of sending a misleading message to Hamas. The statement warned that Gaza’s humanitarian crisis had reached intolerable levels, condemning the ‘drip feeding of aid’ and the ‘inhumane killing of civilians, including children’ seeking food and water. It cited UN and Gaza Health Ministry figures showing over 80,000 Palestinians killed while seeking aid, calling the situation ‘horrifying’ and urging Israel to meet its obligations under international humanitarian law.
Gendelman claimed the appeal sent Hamas a ‘wrong and dangerous message,’ calling it a ‘delusion’ that ignored the ‘obvious truth’ that Hamas alone was blocking a ceasefire. He accused the militant group of launching the war, holding hostages, and rejecting ‘clear and fair’ truce proposals accepted by Israel. Israel’s Foreign Ministry also dismissed the statement as ‘disconnected from reality,’ accusing Hamas of prolonging the war by refusing a US-backed ceasefire and hostage deal.
Ceasefire talks resumed in Doha on July 6 under US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediation. The current proposal, reportedly endorsed by Israel, involves a 60-day truce, phased hostage releases, partial Israeli troop withdrawals, and expanded humanitarian aid. Hamas, however, is demanding a full and permanent ceasefire, complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and international guarantees on reconstruction.
Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza in 2023 after a deadly Hamas incursion. Since then, over 59,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Gaza’s 2 million residents face a dire humanitarian crisis, with 90% displaced and dependent on limited aid. The 21-month war has pushed the territory to the brink of famine and sparked global protests.
Israel’s actions during the conflict have triggered genocide accusations and led to an ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu. The EU, UK, Canada, and France have warned of possible sanctions if conditions do not improve.