On Friday, the leaders of Britain, France, and Germany issued a strong joint appeal for an immediate end to what they described as a worsening humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza strip.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Israel to lift aid restrictions and allow humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations and NGOs, to deliver critical assistance. Their statement, released from Berlin, emphasized the urgent need for water, food, and medical supplies to reach civilians without further delay.
"Withholding essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable," the leaders said, urging Israel to adhere to international humanitarian law.
The call comes amid dire warnings from over 100 aid and human rights organizations about growing mass starvation in Gaza, now entering its 22nd month of war. The World Health Organization has described the crisis as "man-made."
Israel, which imposed an aid blockade on Gaza in March before partially easing it two months later, denies responsibility for the deepening crisis and has criticized the UN-led aid distribution system.
In their statement, the European leaders also pressed for an immediate ceasefire and a long-term political solution. "The time has come to end the war in Gaza," they said, affirming their readiness to support peace efforts that ensure lasting security for both Palestinians and Israelis.
The conflict began with Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to official Israeli figures compiled by AFP. In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza, which the territory’s health ministry says has killed 59,676 people, largely civilians.
Of the 251 people taken hostage during the Hamas attack, 49 remain in Gaza — with 27 confirmed dead, according to the Israeli military.
Prime Minister Starmer noted he would be holding an "emergency call" with Macron and Merz on Friday to address the ongoing crisis.
