The foreign ministers of Spain, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, and Slovenia issued a rare joint statement on Friday condemning Israel’s reported plans to expand its military operations in the Gaza Strip.

The ministers warned that such an escalation would deepen the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and undermine prospects for a two-state solution.

“A further military escalation in Gaza will only exacerbate an already catastrophic situation for the civilian Palestinian population and threaten the lives of the hostages that remain in captivity,” the statement declared.

The statement highlighted several critical issues. First, it addressed the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where Israel’s two-month blockade of food, medicine, and essential supplies has pushed 2.4 million residents toward famine and disease. The ministers called for Israel to lift restrictions immediately and allow safe, large-scale humanitarian access in coordination with the United Nations and relief organizations.

Second, the six nations rejected any attempts to alter Gaza’s demographic or territorial status through forced displacement or prolonged military occupation, labeling such actions as violations of international law. They reaffirmed that Gaza is an integral part of the State of Palestine and belongs to its people.

Third, the ministers warned that a “prolonged Israeli presence” in Gaza would undermine hopes for a negotiated two-state solution and risk further regional instability.

Reports of an Israeli contingency plan, “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” have raised alarms. The plan allegedly aims to consolidate control over Gaza while placing humanitarian operations under Israeli oversight. Aid groups have criticized the proposal, arguing it could compromise the neutrality of relief efforts and facilitate mass displacement of Palestinians. “Establishing a parallel humanitarian framework under military authority would erode the neutrality essential to delivering aid,” a spokesperson for an international relief organization said.

The six European nations joined UN officials and human rights groups in calling for an immediate ceasefire, restoration of basic services, and renewed political dialogue to achieve lasting peace. Their coordinated statement underscores mounting global alarm over Gaza’s civilian toll and the urgent need to protect Palestinian lives while preserving the prospect of a two-state future. (ILKHA)