Fri Mar 21 23:52:01 UTC 2025: ## Europe Demands Immediate Gaza Ceasefire After Renewed Israeli Offensive
**Berlin/Paris/London –** Germany, France, and Britain issued a joint statement late Friday demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza following Israel’s renewed military offensive. The ministers – Annalena Baerbock (Germany), Jean-Yves Le Drian (France), and David Lammy (Britain) – expressed horror at the civilian casualties resulting from the renewed assault, which began Tuesday, shattering a January ceasefire.
The statement strongly condemned the resumption of hostilities and urged all parties to return to negotiations to achieve a lasting peace. It specifically called for Hamas to unconditionally release all remaining Israeli hostages. Furthermore, the ministers insisted that Hamas must relinquish its control over Gaza and cease all threats against Israel.
The European powers also stressed that Israel must adhere to international law and ensure the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The call for a ceasefire comes after Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant threatened to annex parts of the Gaza Strip if Hamas fails to release the hostages. The ministers’ urgent appeal highlights the growing international concern over the escalating violence and the desperate need for a sustainable solution to the ongoing conflict.
First Piper 