The resumption of the Israeli attacks in Gaza means a dramatic step backward for the people of Gaza. We are appalled by the civilian casualties and urge an immediate return to the ceasefire," write the three countries' foreign ministers in a joint statement during the night to Saturday, Swedish time.
On Thursday, Hamas-controlled authorities in Gaza reported that around 600 people had been killed since Israel resumed its attacks on Tuesday night, marking the end of the ceasefire that began on January 19.
The three foreign ministers – Germany's Annalenna Baerbock, France's Jean-Noel Barrot, and the UK's David Lammy – urge the parties to resume negotiations to ensure that the ceasefire is "fully implemented and becomes permanent".
They also write that Hamas must release all remaining Israeli hostages and that the terrorist-classified movement "must neither govern Gaza nor pose a threat to Israel anymore". At the same time, Israel must allow the inflow of aid to Gaza and "fully and completely respect international law", write the foreign ministers.
