UK, France, Germany raise alarm over Gaza

Foreign Ministers of the United Kingdom, France and Germany said in a joint statement on Wednesday that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is “catastrophic” following Israel’s decision to stop the delivery of aid to the enclave last week. They called on Israel to ensure a “full, rapid, safe and unhindered” flow of assistance, reminding it that failing to do so would violate international humanitarian law.

“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,” the foreign ministers stated. At the same time, they called on Hamas to release the remaining hostages and urged both sides to negotiate subsequent phases of the Gaza ceasefire.