UK, France and others urge Israel to 'reverse decision' to seize Gaza city

The countries that called today's UN Security Council emergency session, which is due to start shortly, have issued a joint statement.

Britain, France, Greece, Denmark and Slovenia have said Israel's plan to occupy Gaza city risks "violating international humanitarian law" and will endanger civilians in Gaza.

"We call on Israel to urgently reverse this decision," the countries said.

They added that mass starvation in Gaza is a "manmade crisis" and that "urgent action is needed to halt starvation and to surge aid into Gaza".

"We have a clear message for Israel: lift restrictions on aid delivery to allow the UN and established humanitarian partners to operate safely and at scale, in line with the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence."