Berlin (TDI): The Foreign Ministers of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom have issued a joint statement, calling for humanitarian access to Gaza, after Israel announced to halt entry of goods and supplies to the enclave.
They reiterated their continued support for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
“It is vital that the ceasefire is sustained, all the hostages are released, and continued flows of humanitarian aid to Gaza are ensured. We urge all parties to engage constructively in negotiating the subsequent phases of the deal to help ensure its full implementation and a permanent end to hostilities,” the Foreign Ministers said.
Joint Statement of the Foreign Ministers of 🇫🇷, 🇩🇪 and 🇬🇧 (E3) on the humanitarian access in Gaza: pic.twitter.com/ckd0QeEwhc
— German Embassy London (@GermanEmbassy) March 5, 2025
They also welcomed the efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States for mediation and extension of ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
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On March 2, Israel announced the halt of entry of all goods and supplies to Gaza, including medical equipment, shelter items, water and sanitation products, and food supplies.
Several world leaders protested the halt of supplies.
The ministers urged Israel to “abide by its international obligations to ensure full, rapid, safe and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to the population in Gaza.”
They warned Israel against violation of International Humanitarian Law and said, “Humanitarian aid should never be contingent on a ceasefire or used as a political tool. We reiterate that the civilians of Gaza who have suffered so much must be allowed to return to their homes and rebuild their lives.”
Die Zivilbevölkerung in #Gaza leidet noch immer darunter, dass nicht ausreichend Notunterkünfte & medizinisches Gerät eingeführt werden. Wir rufen die israelische Regierung auf, die Einfuhrbeschränkungen nach Gaza für humanitäre Hilfe umgehend wieder aufzuheben. Unser Statement: pic.twitter.com/G7sn9VkyZ7
— Auswärtiges Amt (@AuswaertigesAmt) March 3, 2025
Regarding the release of hostages, the Foreign Ministers urged Hamas to “unconditionally release” the Israeli hostages.
They also urged all parties to uphold the ceasefire and ensure that it leads to sustainable peace, and the reconstruction of Gaza, and allows for a credible pathway towards a two-state solution in which Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace.
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On February 28, Germany’s Federal Foreign Office criticized the Israeli government for the displacement of 40,000 people due to its operation “Iron Wall.”
It further asked the Israeli authorities to discard the plan to maintain a long-term military presence in areas controlled by the Palestinian Authority.
The Federal Foreign Office said, “The Israeli Government’s plans to maintain a long-term military presence in Jenin are therefore unacceptable. Terrorism must be fought, and in Area A that task falls to the PA.”
Germany, France, and the United Kingdom have supported the ceasefire in Gaza and encouraged the immediate hostage release.
They have also raised concerns about the deterioration of healthcare services in Gaza.
On January 3, Ambassador Barbara Woodward, the United Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the UN, made three fundamental demands.
Firstly, she called for the civilians and medical staff to be protected.
Secondly, she asked for the increased role of UNRWA in delivering medical services.
Lastly, she asked Israel to immediately address the healthcare crisis in Gaza.
Ambassador Woodward further stated that the United Kingdom will continue to push for an immediate ceasefire, release of all hostages, better protection of civilians, and consistent provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
