Berlin (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The foreign ministers of France, Germany and UK jointly called on Israel to comply with international law by letting the unhindered passage of humanitarian aid into Gaza, in a statement released on Wednesday, Reuters reported.
“Humanitarian aid must never be used as a political tool and Palestinian territory must not be reduced nor subjected to any demographic change,”
The ministers said. They urged all sides to recommit to a ceasefire and called on Hamas to promptly release the remaining hostages.
Israel has announced it will continue to prevent humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza, as it committed to compelling Hamas to free the remaining hostages taken during the attacks on October 7.
Since 2 March, Israel has blocked aid supplies, including food, fuel, water, and medicine, from entering Gaza. This occurred more than two weeks prior to the ceasefire’s collapse between Israel and the Palestinian militant group, leading to renewed air and ground assaults on the region.
On Wednesday, the medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières described Gaza as a “mass grave for Palestinians.” The Israeli military stated that it has transformed 30% of Gaza into a buffer zone, claiming to have
“achieved full operational control over several key areas and routes throughout the Gaza Strip.”
Will E3 push change Israel’s Gaza policy?
Additionally, a month prior, the same nations France, Germany, and the UK, collectively referred to as the E3, urged for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. They called on Israel to fully adhere to international law and to permit immediate access to humanitarian aid.
“The resumption of Israeli strikes in Gaza marks a dramatic step backward for the people of Gaza, the hostages, their families and the entire region,”
Said a joint statement by the three countries.
“We are appalled by the civilian casualties and urgently call for an immediate return to a ceasefire,”
It added.
All parties were encouraged to continue negotiations aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire, which must also encompass the release of Israeli prisoners. The statement underscored that every Israeli and Palestinian is entitled to peace and security, pointing out that military solutions will not resolve the conflict.
“A return to fighting will only result in the deaths of more Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages,”
It stated.
“We call on Israel to restore humanitarian access, including water and electricity, and ensure access to medical care and temporary medical evacuations in accordance with international humanitarian law,” ‘
The statement also said.
