Sundiata Post – European heavyweights France, Germany, and Britain have united in their call for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza conflict. The leaders of these nations have thrown their support behind the ongoing efforts of the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to broker a peaceful resolution to the 10-month war between Israel and Hamas.
In a joint statement released Monday, and reported by the Associated Press, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the desperate need for a cessation of hostilities, demanding the immediate release of all individuals taken hostage by Hamas during their October offensive. The leaders stressed that the people of Gaza are in dire need of unrestricted access to humanitarian aid and called for its prompt and unimpeded delivery.
The statement further highlighted a three-pronged plan that has been central to the ongoing mediation efforts. Under this proposed framework, Hamas would release all remaining hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. This exchange would then pave the way for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
The European leaders also addressed Iran and its allies, urging them to exercise restraint and refrain from any actions that could be perceived as retaliation for the recent deaths of two high-ranking militants in Beirut and Tehran. Such actions, the statement cautioned, could further inflame regional tensions and jeopardize the fragile peace process.
