22 nations demand Gaza aid access as humanitarian crisis deepens

22 foreign ministers, including those representing Australia, Canada, and Japan, issued a statement today (Monday) demanding the immediate introduction of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

This statement comes on the heels of a more threatening joint letter by Britain, France, and Canada, which threatens "concrete measures" if Israel does not immediately cease military operations and allow unlimited aid into the Strip, regardless of whether Hamas steals it or benefits from it or not.

Israel has maintained a total blockade on humanitarian aid ever since the end of the latest ceasefire, with the aim of depriving Hamas terrorists of needed supplies and cash for resold food and supplies.

It has also been working to establish separate aid stations in cooperation with the United States in order to ensure only civilians receive aid, rather than Hamas. However, sources speaking with Israeli media said that the stations will not be up and running for about a week and a half, and that the current, minimal aid provision is needed to ensure no starvation or humanitarian crisis.