UK, Germany, France Demand Ceasefire and Hostage Release in Gaza

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The United Kingdom, Germany, and France have issued a joint call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, alongside the unconditional release of all hostages, following an emergency discussion on the escalating conflict and humanitarian crisis. The three nations condemned the dire situation in Gaza, where access to necessities like food and water remains severely restricted.

In a joint statement on 25 July 2025, the United Kingdom, Germany and France declared: “The humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza must end now. The civilian population’s most basic needs, including access to food and water, must be met without delay. Withholding essential humanitarian assistance is unacceptable.” They urged the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the dismantling of Hamas leadership as critical steps toward a two-state solution, while firmly rejecting any moves toward Israeli annexation of Palestinian territories. “Threats of annexation, settlement expansion, and settler violence against Palestinians undermine prospects for a negotiated resolution,” the statement added.

The trio vowed to collaborate with international partners, including the United Nations, to establish transitional governance and security arrangements in Gaza, alongside ensuring large-scale humanitarian aid delivery. However, the current Labour government in the UK, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has faced scrutiny for its handling of foreign policy, with critics arguing its approach lacks the decisiveness needed to address such crises effectively.

Israel has announced plans to coordinate aid airdrops into Gaza with countries like Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, according to an Israeli security official speaking to ABC News on Friday. Yet, aid drops have proven controversial, with the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health reporting deaths and injuries during previous operations. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini described airdrops as “the least efficient method to deliver aid,” labelling them a distraction from the broader failure to address Gaza’s needs. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) echoed this, stating, “The scale of suffering and loss of dignity in Gaza exceeds all acceptable standards. Every moment without a ceasefire endangers civilian lives.”

French President Emmanuel Macron, in a Thursday address, stressed the need for a demilitarised Palestinian state that recognises Israel to ensure regional security. “An immediate ceasefire, hostage release, and massive humanitarian aid are essential,” Macron said, announcing plans to formalise this stance at the United Nations in September. Starmer expressed similar support for Palestinian statehood, stating, “A ceasefire is the first step toward recognising a Palestinian state and securing peace for both Palestinians and Israelis.”

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply rebuked France’s position, arguing in a recent interview, “Such moves reward terrorism and risk creating another Iranian proxy. A Palestinian state under these conditions would be a launchpad to destroy Israel, not coexist with it.” The U.S. State Department, through deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott, rejected claims that Israel is weaponising aid, asserting, “Hamas could end this conflict today by releasing hostages and disarming.”

Israeli government spokesman David Mencer, in an online briefing on Wednesday, denied famine claims in Gaza, calling the food crisis a “man-made shortage engineered by Hamas.” Pigott highlighted the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), though aid groups have criticised its limited reach and lack of transparency. The United Nations and other organisations have declined to work with GHF, citing concerns over its impartiality.

The United Nations reports over 1,000 deaths from Israeli gunfire near aid distribution sites, mostly operated by GHF since May 27. Ajith Sunghay, from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, noted, “People have been shot while attempting to collect food at GHF sites and during UN and other aid convoys.” Pigott defended U.S. efforts, stating, “We’ve supported GHF to deliver nearly 90 million meals in a war zone, ensuring aid isn’t looted by Hamas.” The Israel Defence Forces claimed troops fired near crowds to counter “immediate threats,” though specifics were not provided.

Hamas has been accused by Israeli officials of diverting aid to fund militant activities, a charge the group denies. As the crisis deepens, the international community faces mounting pressure to act decisively to alleviate Gaza’s suffering.