France, Germany, UK Call for Immediate Ceasefire, Humanitarian Aid in Gaza

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom (UK) urged an immediate return to a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the resumption of essential humanitarian services by Israel, including water, electricity, medical care, and medical evacuations.

The statement condemned the resumption of airstrikes in Gaza, describing it as a “major setback” for the people of Gaza, the hostages, their families, and the broader region.

Expressing deep concern over civilian casualties, the ministers called for urgent efforts to restore the ceasefire and encouraged all parties to re-engage in negotiations to ensure the full and permanent implementation of a ceasefire agreement.

The joint statement emphasized the need for Hamas to release all hostages, stressing that all Israelis and Palestinians have the right to live in peace and security.

The ministers called on those with influence over Hamas to prevent further attacks on Israel, asserting that Hamas should play no role in governing Gaza or posing a future threat to Israel.

However, they also noted that "this conflict cannot be resolved militarily," warning that continued fighting would only result in more civilian casualties, including Palestinians and Israeli hostages.

The three nations urged Israel to fully respect international law, allow immediate humanitarian aid into Gaza, and refrain from cutting off essential supplies.

They also condemned the deadly bombing of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Gaza, which killed a UN staff member and injured several others, including European nationals. "UN personnel and facilities must be protected and must never be targeted," the statement declared.

Finally, the statement reiterated that a long-term ceasefire is the only viable path toward a sustainable peace, a two-state solution, and the reconstruction of Gaza.