Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Slovenia and Spain say Israel’s actions “undermine the UN mandate, violate international law and run counter to the findings of the International Court of Justice, while risking grave humanitarian consequences for the Palestinian civilian population and refugees”.

In a joint statement issued today, the countries also called on Israel “to ensure that established international NGOs continue to be permitted to operate in Gaza and that any deregistrations be halted”.

“The work of the UN, in particular UNRWA, together with other humanitarian organisations and NGOs, is essential to confront the catastrophic humanitarian situation and to deliver life-saving assistance and essential services to the civilian population in Gaza, the occupied Palestinian territory and the wider region,” they continued.

“We underline the obligation to ensure full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access and to enable the continued functioning of UN humanitarian operations and their partners, in line with IHL and relevant international legal obligations.

“Respect for the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and for international humanitarian law is imperative.”