The statement issued late Saturday came after increasing accounts of starvation-related deaths in Gaza following months of experts’ warnings of famine.

It was at least the third vessel blocked this year while challenging Israel’s naval blockade and seeking to deliver supplies by sea to a population facing rising starvation.

Israeli forces intercepted the Handala, a Gaza-bound ship carrying aid and activists, within 70 nautical miles of its intended destination on Saturday night.

"The humanitarian catastrophe that we are witnessing in Gaza must end now," a joint statement from the three countries reads.

The United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy will hold an emergency call on Friday to talk about the deteriorating conditions in Gaza.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire despite Israel's efforts to improve the delivery of humanitarian aid, a European Commission spokesperson said on Thursday. Israel has made some efforts towards improving the delivery of humanitarian aid to the population in Gaza,