Key European allies of Israel, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, are strongly urging an immediate ceasefire in response to the growing humanitarian impact of Israel’s war on Gaza. This appeal is happening at a time when Israel is also experiencing internal unrest, with protests calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to negotiate another hostage release deal with Hamas. French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock underscored the need for a “new humanitarian truce,” emphasizing its necessity as a stepping stone towards a broader ceasefire, during a visit to Israel, on Sunday, 17 December. Colonna voiced her deep concern over the dire situation in Gaza, stating that “too many civilians are being killed.” France reported that one of its employees had died due to injuries sustained during an Israeli attack in Rafah, located in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. The individual, a Palestinian national, had been employed by the French Institute for many years. The gravity of the situation deepened over the weekend, when Israel’s army admitted to the shooting and killing of three Israelis waving a white flag, presumed to have escaped…
France and Germany Join Urgent Calls for Ceasefire in War on Gaza
December 18, 2023
By Belal Nawar
Senior Journalist
