Israel-Hamas: France, UK and Germany Endorses Return to Negotiation Table
Leaders of the United Kingdom (UK), Germany and France have issued a joint statement lending support to calls for a truce for the hostage and ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
In the statement put out on Monday, August 12, 2024, Emmanuel Macron of France, Olaf Scholz of Germany and Keir Starmer of the UK expressed concerns about the heightened tensions in the region.
According to them, there should be no further delay in reaching a deal and thereby their united commitment to de-escalation and regional stability.
“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.”
They also urged Iran and its allies to refrain from attacks that would further escalate regional tensions and jeopardise the opportunity to agree a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
They added, “They will bear responsibility for actions that jeopardise this opportunity for peace and stability. No country or nation stands to gain from a further escalation in the Middle East.”
The tension between Israel and Hamas inflamed from what many have described as a surprise attack on Israel by Hamas in October 2023, during which some Israelis were taken hostage and brought to Gaza, triggering a massive Israeli military offensive against Gaza
Reports indicate that 14,000 people including 39,677 Palestinians and 1,478 Israelis have died in the war.
Negotiations between the two parties with United States of America (USA), Qatar and Egypt playing as mediators hit the rocks last month, after new terms were introduced to the framework.
