Berlin: Germany, France, and the United Kingdom have jointly called for an immediate resumption of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the foreign ministers of the three nations have issued a statement urging Israel to permit humanitarian aid into the region. The statement emphasizes the necessity for Israel to restore essential services such as water and electricity and to ensure the availability of medical care, including temporary medical evacuations, in line with international humanitarian law. The ministers expressed concern over the resumption of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, describing it as a setback for the people of the region and highlighted their distress over civilian casualties. They stressed the importance of returning to a ceasefire to prevent further humanitarian consequences.
The ministers articulated that a military solution is not viable for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and underscored the significance of achieving a long-term ceasefire for sustainable peace. They also voiced their shock over the bombing of the UN Office for Project Services building in Gaza, which resulted in the death of a staff member, and called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
The mediators from Britain, France, and Germany have put forward a proposal, building on the initiative of US envoy Steve Witkoff. This proposal suggests extending the initial phase of the ceasefire by 50 days in exchange for the release of five Israeli detainees and a specified number of Palestinian prisoners. The plan includes provisions for the mediators to facilitate negotiations during this period to reach a comprehensive agreement for a permanent ceasefire.
The proposal outlines that Hamas should release the five detainees on the first day of the agreement, including Idan Alexander, an Israeli detainee with a US passport. Subsequent negotiations are expected to focus on establishing a complete ceasefire. The proposal also covers the entry of humanitarian and relief aid, the involvement of UN and other organizations, and the initiation of infrastructure rehabilitation in Gaza.
Hamas has expressed its willingness to engage in discussions on the proposal, emphasizing its openness and flexibility. It has also called for American guarantees regarding Israel's commitment to the agreement, stating that it aims to avoid a return to conflict.