The governments of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom have issued a joint call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, urging Israel to open crossings and allow vital humanitarian aid to reach the besieged population. In a statement released on Friday evening, the foreign ministers of the three nations emphasised the urgent need for Israel to permit the entry of essential supplies such as water, electricity, and medical provisions, while ensuring the evacuation of the injured in compliance with international humanitarian law.  

The statement condemned Israel’s renewed airstrikes on Gaza as a “tragic setback” that has exacerbated the suffering of civilians, calling for an immediate halt to the violence. This appeal followed threats by Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who warned of annexing parts of Gaza if Hamas did not release Israeli hostages.  

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, and British Foreign Minister David Lammy collectively stressed that a military solution is not viable for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They urged all parties to return to negotiations to secure a lasting ceasefire, underscoring diplomacy as the only path to sustainable peace.  

The ministers also expressed grave concern over the targeting of a United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) office in Gaza, which resulted in the death of a staff member. They called for an immediate investigation into the incident, highlighting the need to protect humanitarian workers and facilities.  

The statement further demanded that Israel adhere to international law by ensuring unimpeded access for humanitarian aid and releasing Palestinian detainees held in the region.  

This escalation comes as Israeli airstrikes resumed on Tuesday morning, following the collapse of a two-month ceasefire. During the truce, Israel repeatedly violated the agreement, continuing attacks across Gaza. The renewed bombardment, coupled with a tightening siege and severe restrictions on aid, has plunged the region into a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, leaving over two million Palestinians, including one million children, facing starvation, disease, and relentless violence.  

As the international community’s calls for a ceasefire grow louder, the people of Gaza remain trapped in a cycle of destruction and despair, with no end in sight to their suffering.