### UN Delegation Asserts Commitment to Humanitarian Law Amid Gaza Crisis

In a significant diplomatic move, a coalition of 80 United Nations member countries has signed a declaration emphasizing their commitment to upholding international humanitarian law and protecting civilians in armed conflict. Notable signatories include France, Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, Ireland, and Saudi Arabia. The declaration coincides with mounting concerns from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) about the severe humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

"The protection of civilians is not optional. It is a legal obligation under international humanitarian law, and a moral imperative we cannot afford to neglect," the declaration states. It already has the backing of France's UN mission, which confirmed the statement on Thursday.

The declaration also condemns the escalating violence and threats against humanitarian personnel. Alarming statistics were highlighted, noting that 2024 marked the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers, with over 360 fatalities across 20 countries.

The signatory countries urged conflicting parties to facilitate safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access to civilians in need. "The instrumentalization of aid for political, military, or security strategic objectives is unacceptable," the statement added, highlighting the critical need for unimpeded humanitarian operations.

Moreover, the declaration underscores the necessity of accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses. The statement insists that alleged violations require credible investigations and that responsible parties must be held accountable, stressing that impunity should not become the norm.

Amid the unfolding crisis, Hamas expressed approval of the joint statement, interpreting it as a growing international rejection of what they claim are acts of genocide and ethnic cleansing by the Israeli government in Gaza. Simultaneously, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe's rapporteur has called for Israel to grant independent, neutral, and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza.

Israeli military operations have intensified in Gaza, with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) expanding their control over the territory by over 50% in recent weeks. This escalation, part of Operation Gideon's Chariots, aims to prevent Hamas from appropriating humanitarian aid. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed the necessity of recent cabinet decisions to renew aid supplies to Gaza, emphasizing that these steps are crucial to maintaining support from Israel's closest allies.

Amid the blockade, the Kerem Shalom Crossing saw its first significant transfer of humanitarian aid on Wednesday, with 100 trucks delivering essential items like flour, baby food, and medical equipment. Despite these efforts, a spokesperson for the German government criticized the aid delivery's speed and volume, calling for an increase in aid flow to address the dire needs of Gazan civilians.

The UN reported challenges in distributing the aid due to insecurity and looting risks within Gaza. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric highlighted that none of the supplies had been successfully unloaded or distributed as of Wednesday, pointing to the perilous conditions within the territory.