Universal Times

In a joint statement, the governments of Germany, France, and the UK have called for an immediate return to a ceasefire in Gaza, urging Israel to restore humanitarian access ¹. The statement, released by the foreign ministers of the three countries, emphasized the need for Israel to allow the restoration of essential services, including water, electricity, and medical care.

The ministers expressed their deep concern over the escalating conflict, citing the alarming number of civilian casualties. They also called on Palestinian Hamas militants to release Israeli hostages, emphasizing that the conflict cannot be resolved through military means [2).

A lasting ceasefire, the ministers stressed, is the only credible pathway to peace. They also condemned the recent incident affecting the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPs) building in Gaza, calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.

This joint statement comes as the international community continues to push for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The foreign ministers of the UK, France, Germany, and Italy had previously issued a statement supporting mediation efforts by the US, Egypt, and Qatar ².

As the situation in Gaza remains dire, the call for a ceasefire and humanitarian access is a pressing concern. The international community must continue to work together to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.