‘Catastrophe must end now': European leaders unite on Gaza, divide on statehood
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer chose not to back the French call after they spoke with Macron, amid competing pressures on each leader over relations with Israel.
But they sought to intensify pressure on Israel to end the attacks on Gaza and send urgent humanitarian aid to stop the starvation of Palestinian civilians.
'The humanitarian catastrophe that we are witnessing in Gaza must end now,' the three leaders said in a joint statement.
'The most basic needs of the civilian population, including access to water and food, must be met without any further delay.
'Withholding essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable.'
In a significant warning to Israel about its obligations under international law, the three leaders said the United Nations and non-government organisations should be allowed to distribute aid.
'We call on the Israeli government to immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid and urgently allow the UN and humanitarian NGOs to carry out their work in order to take action against starvation,' they said.
'Israel must uphold its obligations under international humanitarian law.'
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