BERLIN – July 26, 2025:The leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany have issued a joint and urgent appeal to Israel, demanding full and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza and an immediate ceasefire to halt the escalating “humanitarian catastrophe” in the besieged enclave. This coordinated diplomatic push, following a tripartite call on Friday between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, comes just a day after Paris announced its intent to recognize Palestinian statehood.
In their joint statement, the three leaders, often referred to as the E3, asserted that “withholding essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable” and called for Israel to “immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid” and allow UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs to operate without obstruction. They emphasized that “the time has come to end the war in Gaza” and underscored the critical need for a negotiated truce to facilitate the release of hostages and bring relief to Gaza’s civilian population.
The joint call reflects growing international alarm over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where widespread hunger and a collapsing healthcare system have led to increasing fatalities, particularly among children. While all three nations have traditionally supported a two-state solution, France’s recent declaration on Palestinian statehood marks a significant shift in European diplomacy and highlights diverging approaches within the bloc.
On Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced his country’s plan to formally recognize the State of Palestine, a move he stated would be formalized at the United Nations General Assembly in September. France, a permanent member of the UN Security Council and the first G7 nation to make such a declaration, believes this step is consistent with its “historic commitment to a just and durable peace in the Middle East.” Macron emphasized that recognition should foster a “collective dynamic” towards peace.
However, France’s decision has exposed divisions among the European allies. While UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged that “recognition of a Palestinian state has to be one of those steps” towards a lasting peace, he stressed it must be part of a “wider plan” for a two-state solution. Germany, traditionally a staunch ally of Israel, has indicated it has no immediate plans to follow France’s lead, despite recently sharpening its tone regarding Israel’s military actions in Gaza and pushing for increased humanitarian aid.
Berlin maintains it prefers direct engagement with Israeli officials.
The leaders of the UK, France, and Germany affirmed their readiness to “take further action” to support an immediate ceasefire and a political process leading to lasting security for both Israelis and Palestinians, though they did not specify what those actions might entail. The unified message from these influential European powers adds considerable pressure on Israel amidst growing global condemnation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
