UK, France and Germany say Gaza ‘humanitarian catastrophe must end now'
The joint statement, issued after a call between Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, called for an immediate ceasefire and said that 'withholding essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable', though it broke no new diplomatic ground.
The leaders said they 'stand ready to take further action to support an immediate ceasefire and a political process that leads to lasting security and peace for Israelis, Palestinians and the entire region', but did not say what that action might be.
Macron's surprise announcement exposed differences among the European allies, known as the E3, over how to ease the worsening humanitarian crisis and end the Israel-Gaza war.
All three support a Palestinian state in principle, but Germany said it has no immediate plans to follow France's step, which Macron plans to formalise at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
Palestinians pile onto an aid truck returning to Gaza City from the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday. Photo: AP
Britain has not followed suit either, but Starmer is under mounting pressure to formally recognise Palestinian statehood, both from opposition lawmakers and from members of his own Labour Party government. Health Secretary Wes Streeting on Tuesday called for an announcement 'while there's still a state of Palestine left to recognise'.
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