In a significant development, the leaders of France, Germany, and Britain have thrown their weight behind calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. The joint statement, released on Monday, also urges the return of hostages held by Hamas.
This endorsement comes as part of the latest diplomatic push, led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, to bring an end to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has now lasted 10 months. The mediators have been tirelessly working to secure a three-phase plan that seeks to balance the demands of both sides. Under this proposal, Hamas would release the remaining hostages captured during the events of October 7, in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, followed by Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza.
The statement, signed by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, stressed the urgency of ending the violence and delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza without delay. “The fighting must end now, and all hostages still detained by Hamas must be released. The people of Gaza need urgent and unfettered delivery and distribution of aid,” the leaders stated.
Importantly, the statement also called on Iran and its allies to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further inflame tensions in the region, particularly following the recent killings of two senior militants in Beirut and Tehran.
This move by the European leaders is a critical step in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and underscores the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict that prioritizes the rights and welfare of the Palestinian people.
