Global Outcry: Western Nations Call for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza

A coalition of 25 Western countries, including Britain, France, and Canada, called on Monday for Israel to immediately cease its military operations in Gaza. The nations condemned what they described as the 'inhumane killing' of Palestinians, particularly those near food distribution sites.

The joint statement expressed horror at the deaths of over 800 civilians seeking aid, with most casualties occurring near Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) locations. The foundation, supported by the U.S. and Israel, assumed aid distribution from the U.N. network, which the statement criticized as dangerous and destabilizing.

Israel's foreign ministry rebuffed the statement, attributing the crisis to Hamas and warning that international pressure should be directed at the group. The protracted conflict, ignited by Hamas-led militants' incursion into Israel in October 2023, has severely impacted Gaza, leading to more than 59,000 Palestinian deaths.

(With inputs from agencies.)