The leaders of France, Germany, and Britain have joined forces in supporting a cease-fire in Gaza, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and the crucial delivery of humanitarian aid. A collaborative statement released by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer aligned with the recent efforts by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to negotiate an end to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The proposed plan involves three phases where Hamas would release remaining hostages taken in their Oct. 7 attack in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, and Israel would subsequently withdraw from Gaza. The statement emphasized the immediate need for an end to the fighting, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and the uninterrupted delivery of aid to the people of Gaza.
Furthermore, the joint statement addressed Iran and its allies, urging them to avoid any retaliatory actions that could intensify regional tensions following the recent killings of two senior militants in Beirut and Tehran. The focus on de-escalation and the promotion of peace in the region remains a paramount objective for the leaders of the European nations.
In response to controversial remarks made by Israel’s far-right national security minister, the European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, criticized the calls to cut off aid to Gaza as incitement to war crimes. Borrell suggested that the EU should consider sanctions in light of these statements. The minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, proposed halting the entry of humanitarian aid and fuel to Gaza until all hostages were released, advocating for a firm stance against Hamas.
Ben-Gvir, a significant figure in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, has also suggested the permanent reoccupation of Gaza, the reconstruction of Jewish settlements, and the voluntary migration of Palestinians from the area. Borrell urged Israel to distance itself from such calls to commit war crimes and to actively engage in the cease-fire negotiations facilitated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt.
Although concerns persist over civilian casualties and aid restrictions, the United States and other Western allies of Israel continue to provide crucial military and diplomatic support during the ongoing conflict. The EU remains committed to fostering peaceful solutions and advocating for humanitarian assistance in the region.
