Fighting must end now – France, Germany, UK back call for ceasefire in Israel-Hamas conflict

France, Germany and the United Kingdom have backed the call for a ceasefire amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

This is according to a joint statement on Monday signed by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The leaders said they endorsed a joint statement of Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and US President Joe Biden calling for the immediate resumption of negotiations in the Middle East.

France, Germany and the UK stressed that the fighting must stop in Gaza and the Middle East.

They also appealed to Iran and its allies to refrain from attacks that would further escalate tension in the Middle East.

“We, the leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, welcome the tireless work of our partners in Qatar, Egypt and the United States towards an agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

“We endorse the joint statement of HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, President Sisi and President Biden calling for the immediate resumption of negotiations.

“We agree that there can be no further delay. We have been working with all parties to prevent escalation and will spare no effort to reduce tensions and find a path to stability.

“The fighting must end now, and all hostages still detained by Hamas must be released. The people of Gaza need urgent and unfettered delivery and distribution of aid.

“We are deeply concerned by the heightened tensions in the region and united in our commitment to de-escalation and regional stability. In this context, and in particular, we call on Iran and its allies to refrain from attacks that would further escalate regional tensions and jeopardize the opportunity to agree a ceasefire and the release of hostages. They will bear responsibility for actions that jeopardize this opportunity for peace and stability. No country or nation stands to gain from a further escalation in the Middle East”, the statement reads.

The tension of a full-blown regional war emerged after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on July 31, 2024, in Tehran as Iran vowed a retaliation attack against Israel.

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