France, Germany, UK call for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

France, Germany, and the UK have expressed strong support for the diplomatic efforts led by Qatar, Egypt, and the US aimed at brokering a ceasefire and securing the release of hostages between Israel and the Palestinians.

In a joint statement, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer affirmed their endorsement of a call by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and US President Joe Biden for the immediate resumption of negotiations, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

“We agree that further delays are unacceptable,” declared the European leaders. “We are committed to collaborating with all parties to prevent escalation and are dedicated to exerting every effort to reduce tensions and pave the way for stability.”

The three leaders emphasized that “the fighting must end now” and called for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas. They also highlighted the urgent need for unrestricted aid delivery and distribution to the people of Gaza.

“We are deeply concerned by the heightened tensions in the region and are united in our commitment to de-escalation and regional stability,” they stated. “In this context, we urge Iran and its allies to avoid actions that could further escalate tensions and undermine the chance for a ceasefire and hostage release.”

Macron, Scholz, and Starmer concluded their statement by warning that those who endanger this peace opportunity will be held accountable. “No country or nation benefits from a further escalation in the Middle East,” they asserted.