Luxembourg joined six European countries on Friday that issued a joint statement earlier in May expressing "grave concern" and opposition to the planned IDF military operations in the Gaza Strip.

"Today I joined the leaders of Iceland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain to express our grave concern on the situation in Gaza," Luxemborg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden said in a Friday statement. "Whether in Gaza, Ukraine or in other conflicts, international law and the protection of civilians must be applied universally."

The joint statement called on the Israeli government to reverse its current policy and stop its plans for a widened offensive in the Gaza Strip.

The leaders of the countries, excluding Malta, previously signed a May 7 statement calling for Israel to reconsider a widened war in Gaza. 

"A further military escalation in Gaza will only exacerbate an already catastrophic situation for the civilian Palestinian population and threaten the lives of the hostages that remain in captivity," the statement said.

Displaced Palestinians seen near their tents in the Nuseirat camp, in the central Gaza Strip, May 16, 2025. (credit: Ali Hassan/Flash90)
Displaced Palestinians seen near their tents in the Nuseirat camp, in the central Gaza Strip, May 16, 2025. (credit: Ali Hassan/Flash90)
"We firmly reject any demographic or territorial change in Gaza, including any scheme that would force or facilitate the permanent displacement of its population, which would be in violation of international law.

"We also strongly oppose a system that does not ensure that the entire population gets access to humanitarian aid. Gaza is an integral part of the State of Palestine, which belongs to the Palestinian people."

IDF announces expansion of war with Operation 'Gideon's Chariot'

The statement came before the IDF's Friday evening announcement that it would be expanding the war in Gaza with Operation "Gideon's Chariot". 

"Over the past 24 hours, the IDF has launched extensive strikes and deployed forces to seize key areas within the Gaza Strip," the IDF statement read, adding that these actions were "part of the opening maneuvers of Operation 'Gideon’s Chariots' and the expansion of the campaign in Gaza."

The joint statement asserted that such an expansion would be an escalation that would derail the leaders' visions for peace between Israel and Palestine. 

"This [expanded operations] would mean crossing yet another line, marking a dangerous new escalation and jeopardizing any prospects of a viable two-state solution," the statement read.

The joint statement asserted that a two-state solution was the only route to secure peace and stability in the region. 

"Only peace can bring security for Palestinians, Israelis, and the region, and only respect for international law can secure lasting peace."

In 2024, Spain, Ireland, Malta, and Slovenia agreed to work together to begin the framework to recognize a Palestinian state.