LONDON — UK, France and Germany demand Israel end Gaza ‘humanitarian catastrophe’ and lift aid restrictions
In a joint statement on July 25, the leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Germany issued a stern appeal to Israel, calling for an immediate end to what they described as a “humanitarian catastrophe” unfolding in Gaza. They demanded Israel “immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid”, allowing UN agencies and NGOs to operate unhindered.
The three leaders—UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz—also pressed for an immediate ceasefire, an unconditional release of all hostages, and steps toward a political process that ensures lasting security for Israelis and Palestinians.
This statement came a day after Macron surprised international audiences by announcing France’s intent to recognize a Palestinian state, positioning Paris as the first major Western power and G7 country to take that step. While Britain and Germany support a two‑state solution, neither has committed to immediate recognition, with Germany citing the need to await a negotiated settlement.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has escalated rapidly. According to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), rates of severe malnutrition among children under five have tripled in just two weeks, with nearly a quarter of young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women screened showing signs of malnutrition.
UNICEF warns that supplies of therapeutic food could run out by mid‑August without urgent relief. The UN World Food Programme estimates nearly one-third of Gaza’s population has gone days without food; at least 120 starvation deaths have been documented, including nine in the past 24 hours.
In response to mounting international criticism, Israel resumed humanitarian aid airdrops, coordinated with partners such as Jordan and the UAE. Additionally, it has instituted a daily pause in fighting—from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in areas such as Gaza City and central Deir al‑Balah—to facilitate aid corridors between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.. Aid agencies, however, have denounced these airdrops as ineffective, costly and a distraction from the core issue of the Israeli blockade.
While the E3 alliance stops short of unified steps like formal Palestinian recognition, European pressure is mounting. Germany faces internal calls from within its coalition to adopt a firmer position—potentially suspending EU trade agreements or halting arms exports linked to violations of international law.
With ceasefire negotiations stalled and starvation mounting, the positions taken by these European powers mark a shift toward more direct diplomatic pressure on Israel—and send a clear warning that withholding vital aid to civilians is no longer tolerated.
