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Germany, France, and UK Urge Immediate Return to Gaza Ceasefire
The foreign ministers of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement late Friday, calling for an "immediate return" to a ceasefire in Gaza, as Israel's military launched a renewed offensive in the region.
On Tuesday, Israel resumed airstrikes in the war-torn enclave, breaking the relative calm that had followed a ceasefire on January 19.
"The resumption of Israeli strikes marks a dramatic step backward for the people of Gaza. We are appalled by the civilian casualties and urgently call for an immediate return to a ceasefire," the ministers stated.
The appeal came after Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned on Friday that Israel could annex parts of Gaza unless Hamas releases the remaining Israeli hostages held in the territory.
Foreign Ministers Annalena Baerbock of Germany, Jean-Noel Barrot of France, and David Lammy of the UK called for all parties to resume negotiations to ensure the ceasefire is fully implemented and eventually becomes permanent.
The ministers also demanded that Hamas release the hostages still held in Gaza, stating that the group should no longer govern Gaza or pose a threat to Israel. They emphasized that Israel must respect international law and ensure that aid continues to flow into Gaza.