A total of 27 Western countries, including most EU member states, have called on Israel to take immediate action to halt what they described as an “unimaginable famine” unfolding in the Gaza Strip.

The statement, signed by the foreign ministers of countries including Australia, Canada, Japan, and Spain, also stressed the need for a ceasefire, an end to the war, and the release of all hostages.

“The humanitarian suffering in Gaza has reached incredible levels. Famine is unfolding before our eyes,” the statement, published by the British government, read. “Urgent action must be taken now to halt and reverse the famine. The humanitarian space must be protected, and aid must not be politicised.”

Neither the Czech Republic nor Germany signed it. Once again, the Czech Republic omitted the word “Hamas” from the statement.

“Every position should be more balanced. The Czech Republic cares about the humanitarian situation,” Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský told journalists in Ukraine in response to a question from ČTK.

The ministers called on Israel to grant permits for all international NGO aid shipments and lift barriers to their operations, warning that restrictive new registration conditions could soon force essential international NGOs to leave the Occupied Palestinian Territories, further worsening the humanitarian situation.

“Lethal force must not be used at aid distribution sites, and civilians, humanitarian workers, and medical personnel must be protected,” the statement added, calling for immediate steps to facilitate safe and widespread access for the U.N. and other partners. It urged the use of all crossings and routes to allow aid, including food, fuel, clean water, and medical supplies, to flow into Gaza.

The signatories also expressed their gratitude for the efforts of the United States, Qatar, and Egypt in pushing for a ceasefire and seeking peace.

The total number of victims of famine and malnutrition in the strip has risen to 227, including 103 children, the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported, citing medical sources.

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