European Powers Urge Immediate Gaza Ceasefire Restoration
The top diplomats of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom on Friday urged an immediate restoration of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Condemnation of Renewed Hostilities in Gaza
In a joint statement released on the UK government’s website, the ministers declared that “the resumption of Israeli strikes in Gaza represents a significant setback for the residents of Gaza, the hostages, their families, and the wider region.”
“We are deeply concerned by the civilian casualties and insistently demand an immediate return to a cessation of hostilities,” the statement continued.
Israeli Minister Threatens Further Action
This joint statement was issued as Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened to seize additional territory within the Gaza Strip, aiming to increase pressure on Hamas.
Katz stated on Friday, as reported by his office, that “the longer Hamas refuses to release hostages, the more territory it will forfeit to Israel.” He also reportedly instructed the military to urge the local population to evacuate in such eventualities.
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While details regarding the methods of territorial seizure were not disclosed, Israeli media outlets have suggested potential annexation of areas.
Ceasefire Collapse and Renewed Airstrikes
On Tuesday, Israel initiated a fresh wave of intense airstrikes on Gaza, effectively ending a fragile ceasefire that had been in place since January.
This resurgence of Israeli airstrikes occurred two months after Israel and Hamas agreed to a truce that involved the release of hostages captured during the October 7, 2023, attacks in exchange for the liberation of Palestinian prisoners.
Call for Renewed Negotiations and Permanent Ceasefire
The foreign ministers of Germany, France, and the UK, in their joint declaration, urged, “We call on all parties to re-engage in negotiations to ensure the ceasefire is fully implemented and transitions into a permanent state.”
“This must include Hamas releasing the hostages that they have cruelly detained and persistently refuse to release,” they emphasized.