Twenty-eight countries, including Japan, as well as the European Union, have issued a joint statement calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

The statement calls on Israel to "immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid and to urgently enable the UN and humanitarian NGOs to do their life saving work safely and effectively."

It says, "We urge the parties and the international community to unite in a common effort to bring this terrible conflict to an end." It added, "Further bloodshed serves no purpose."

This comes amid growing civilian casualties in Gaza. A local media outlet reported on Monday that Israeli ground forces are operating in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza for the first time since the conflict between Israel and Hamas broke out in October 2023.

A US-led foundation launched a food distribution campaign in Gaza in May, as the enclave faces severe food shortages. But there have been reports of Israeli forces opening fire near food distribution sites, resulting in civilian casualties. Local health authorities said 1,021 people have been killed.

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