Several of Israel’s long-time allies have threatened diplomatic or economic actions following its intensifying military campaign in Gaza, which many are calling “unprecedented.” The developments come as humanitarian agencies warn of impending famine in the region.
On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that limited humanitarian aid would be permitted into Gaza for the first time since a blockade was imposed on March 2. However, this announcement coincided with a significant surge in military operations over the weekend, sparking outrage from the global community.
Nations including the UK, Canada, France, and the European Union have taken steps to apply pressure on Israel to fully lift the blockade.
Australia has also joined 22 other countries in denouncing Israel’s proposed aid delivery framework, urging an immediate and complete resumption of humanitarian aid into the territory.
European Union
EU Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas stated on Tuesday that the bloc will reconsider its trade agreement with Israel due to the “catastrophic” conditions in Gaza. This decision followed a meeting among EU foreign ministers, where 17 of the 27 member states supported the proposal initiated by Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp.
Kallas emphasized that member states believe the current situation is unsustainable and called for unimpeded humanitarian access.
The EU remains Israel’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade amounting to €42.6 billion ($74 billion) in 2024, under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Nine countries—including Germany, Italy, and Hungary—opposed reviewing the deal, while Latvia abstained.
United Kingdom
The UK has suspended trade negotiations with Israel and imposed sanctions on Israeli settlers in the West Bank. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the recent military escalation, calling it “morally unjustifiable” and “utterly counterproductive.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed these sentiments in Parliament, denouncing Israel’s limited allowance of aid as “totally and utterly inadequate.” He urged coordinated international action to prevent widespread starvation in Gaza.
UK, France, and Canada
Before Starmer’s statement, the UK released a joint declaration with France and Canada, deeming Israel’s resumed aid deliveries “wholly inadequate” and warning of “concrete actions” if the situation does not improve.
The statement criticized Israel’s obstruction of humanitarian aid and condemned plans to expand West Bank settlements. Canada has already imposed sanctions over settler violence, while France has called for the immediate and unhindered delivery of large-scale aid.
United States
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that Washington will not mirror the EU’s or UK’s punitive measures but has engaged Israel on the need to restart aid. He anticipates an increase in aid flow over the coming weeks.
President Donald Trump, who did not visit Israel during his recent Middle East tour, has reportedly been disturbed by images of starving children. A White House official said Trump is pushing for an end to the war, the return of hostages, and the start of Gaza’s reconstruction.
Despite these sentiments, the U.S. administration continues to support Israel’s actions and blames Hamas for the humanitarian crisis.
Australia
Australia joined a collective statement with 23 other nations urging Israel to allow full and immediate humanitarian access to Gaza. Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized that food, medicine, and other essentials have been nearly depleted and starvation is imminent.
Wong, rejecting Israel’s new aid distribution model, reiterated Australia’s support for the UN and other humanitarian organizations to operate independently in Gaza.
She stressed the importance of a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and civilian protection, while reaffirming Australia’s support for Israel’s right to self-defense, a two-state solution, and ongoing humanitarian assistance—estimated at $32.3 million for 2024–25.
Last year, Australia voted for a UN resolution calling for the swift end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.
Israel’s Reaction
Israeli Foreign Minister Oren Marmorstein rejected the EU’s move to review the trade pact, saying it reflected a “total misunderstanding” of Israel’s security challenges. He dismissed UK trade talks as already stagnant and criticized London, Ottawa, and Paris for “rewarding” the October 7 attack by Hamas.
Prime Minister Netanyahu also defended Israel’s position, urging European leaders to back President Trump’s vision. He reiterated Israel’s intent to assume full control of Gaza under its latest military campaign.
Since October 7, 2023, more than 53,000 Palestinians have been killed, and 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Nearly 500,000 face starvation, while another million suffer from extreme food insecurity, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification.
