Foreign ministers from eight European countries, including Spain, Norway, Ireland, and Portugal, have strongly condemned Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza City and expel its residents, warning that such actions would deepen the humanitarian catastrophe and put Palestinian civilians at even greater risk. They stressed that any attempt to alter the demographic composition of Gaza constitutes a clear violation of international law, reaffirming that Gaza, alongside the West Bank and East Jerusalem, remains an integral part of the State of Palestine.

The ministers also highlighted that the military escalation and potential occupation would further obstruct the prospects for a two-state solution, long regarded as the internationally recognised framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They voiced serious concern over Gaza’s worsening humanitarian conditions, exacerbated by the blockade, ongoing hostilities, and restricted access to aid.

Calling for an immediate halt to military operations, the statement urged safe and equitable delivery of humanitarian assistance to all civilians. European officials also pressed the international community to intensify diplomatic efforts to protect civilians, promote dialogue, and work toward a just and lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis alike.