A joint statement by 28 nations urging a ceasefire undermines talks with Hamas, prime ministerial adviser Dmitry Gendelman has claimed

A joint call by 28 countries for an immediate end to the war in Gaza and the full resumption of humanitarian aid is "wrong and dangerous" and undermines ongoing negotiations, an adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday.

The statement - signed by more than a dozen EU nations, along with Britain, Japan, Canada, Australia, Norway, New Zealand, Switzerland, and others - warned that Gaza's humanitarian crisis had reached intolerable levels. The foreign ministers condemned the "drip feeding of aid" and the "inhumane killing of civilians, including children" seeking food and water. Citing UN and Gaza Health Ministry figures showing over 800 Palestinians killed while seeking aid, the statement called the situation "horrifying" and urged Israel to meet its obligations under international humanitarian law.

Netanyahu's adviser Dmitry Gendelman said the appeal sent Hamas a "wrong and dangerous message," calling it a "delusion" that ignored the "obvious truth" that Hamas alone was blocking a ceasefire. He accused the militant group of launching the war, holding hostages, and rejecting "clear and fair" truce proposals accepted by Israel.

Israel's Foreign Ministry also dismissed the statement as "disconnected from reality," accusing Hamas of prolonging the war by refusing a US-backed ceasefire and hostage deal.

Ceasefire talks resumed in Doha on July 6 under US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediation. The current proposal, reportedly endorsed by Israel, involves a 60day truce, phased hostage releases, partial Israeli troop withdrawals, and expanded humanitarian aid. Hamas, however, is demanding a full and permanent ceasefire, complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and international guarantees on reconstruction.

Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza in 2023 after a deadly Hamas incursion. Since then, over 59,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.

Gaza's 2 million residents face a dire humanitarian crisis, with 90% displaced and dependent on limited aid. The 21-month war has pushed the territory to the brink of famine and sparked global protests.

Israel's actions during the conflict have triggered genocide accusations and led to an ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu. The EU, UK, Canada, and France have warned of possible sanctions if conditions do not improve.

(RT.com)