The leaders of France, Germany, and Britain have joined forces to push for a cease-fire in Gaza, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid. They are backing the efforts of the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to end the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has been raging for 10 months.
The three European leaders, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, released a joint statement calling for an immediate end to the fighting and the release of all hostages held by Hamas. They emphasized the critical need for aid to reach the people of Gaza without any obstacles.
In addition to their call for a cease-fire, the leaders also urged Iran and its allies to refrain from escalating tensions in the region. This plea comes after the recent killing of two senior militants in Beirut and Tehran, which has raised concerns about further violence.
Meanwhile, Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair has announced the cancellation of all flights to and from Ben Gurion International Airport, just outside Tel Aviv, until August 26. The airline cited operational restrictions beyond its control as the reason for the cancellations.
On another front, the European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, has criticized Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for his call to cut off aid to Gaza. Borrell labeled Ben-Gvir’s remarks as “incitement to war crimes” and called for potential sanctions in response. Ben-Gvir has been advocating for a tough stance against Hamas, including blocking humanitarian aid and fuel until all hostages are released.
Despite the international pressure for a cease-fire and the release of hostages, Ben-Gvir has insisted on a more aggressive approach, including the reoccupation of Gaza by Israel. His stance has put him at odds with the EU and other Western allies, who are calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
As the situation in Gaza remains tense and the humanitarian crisis deepens, the calls for a cease-fire and the delivery of aid are becoming more urgent. The international community, including key players like France, Germany, and Britain, is working to bring an end to the violence and ensure that the people of Gaza receive the assistance they desperately need.