Dozens of Western countries have united in a joint statement calling for the reinstatement of the medical corridor between Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The nations, including Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the European Union, emphasized the urgent need for medical evacuations from Gaza to resume for patients to receive necessary treatment on Palestinian soil.
The group of nations urged Israel to lift restrictions on the delivery of medicine and medical equipment to Gaza. Israel, however, has not responded immediately to these appeals, citing security concerns in previous discussions with foreign counterparts.
While Israel has permitted some Palestinians to be transported from Gaza to Arab and European nations for medical treatment, Palestinians argue that this does not adequately address the broader need for access to hospitals in other Palestinian territories.
According to aid organizations, Gaza has been receiving only a fraction of the necessary aid, including crucial medical supplies, since the blockade was lifted in May. The World Health Organization warned in May that Gaza’s healthcare system is under immense pressure.
Israel maintains control over all access points to Gaza, stating that it provides sufficient food aid and essential supplies to the region. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to a humanitarian crisis, with widespread reports of starvation and suffering, prompting global condemnation and accusations of genocide by several human rights experts, scholars, and a United Nations inquiry.
Israel defends its actions as self-defense following an attack by Palestinian Hamas militants in October 2023, which resulted in numerous casualties and hostages. Despite disapproval from the United States, key allies such as Britain and France have shown support for Palestinian statehood as a step towards a potential two-state solution.