LondonFollowing his announcement that his nation would be the first major Western state to let unlimited relief into Gaza, the leaders of Britain, France, and Germany asked that Israel do so in order to halt a humanitarian catastrophe.
Despite not breaking any new diplomatic ground, the joint statement, which was released following a call between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Macron, called for an immediate ceasefire and stated that it is unacceptable to deny the civilian population essential humanitarian aid.
Suggested Videos
Though they did not specify what that action may be, the leaders stated that they are prepared to take more steps to support an immediate ceasefire and a political process that results in long-lasting security and peace for Israelis, Palestinians, and the entire region.
France’s action reveals tensions across Europe.
Macron’s unexpected declaration revealed disagreements among the European allies, or E3, over how to alleviate the deteriorating humanitarian situation and put an end to the threat.
Germany stated that it has no imminent plans to follow France’s lead, which Macron intends to formalize in September, although all three favor a Palestinian state in theory.
Although Britain has not done the same, Starmer is facing increasing pressure from members of his own Labour Party administration as well as opposition parliamentarians to formally acknowledge Palestinian statehood. On Tuesday, Health Secretary Wes Streeting demanded an announcement while the state of Palestine is still pending recognition.
A letter calling on Starmer to recognize a Palestinian state was signed by 221 of the 650 members of the House of Commons on Friday.
We have supported a two-state solution since 1980. The letter, which was signed by lawmakers from a number of government and opposition parties, stated that such acknowledgment would give that position substance.
Following Friday’s E3 call, Starmer denounced Israel’s disproportionate military escalation in Gaza, the ongoing hostage captivity, the denial of humanitarian aid and malnutrition to the Palestinian people, and the growing violence from extreme settler groups.
According to him, one of the first steps toward achieving peace must be the acknowledgment of a Palestinian state.
That is what I am clear about. However, he stated that it must be a component of a larger strategy that leads to a two-state solution and long-term security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
A Palestinian state is recognized by more than 140 nations, including 12 in Europe. However, France is the biggest European country and the first of the Group of Seven to do so.
France’s action was condemned by the United States and Israel.
Although it has stated that recognition should be a part of a negotiated two-state solution to the problem, Britain has long backed the idea of an independent Palestinian state coexisting with Israel.
Such a remedy seems a long way off. Before the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and started the present war, there had been no meaningful Israel-Palestinian talks for years.
Israel’s allies are alarmed about the humanitarian situation
Even Israel’s closest friends are alarmed by the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.
With ties originating from the Holocaust, Germany has long been one of Israel’s most ardent allies in Europe. It states that it has no immediate plans to recognize a Palestinian state and that doing so should be one of the final steps in negotiations for a two-state solution.
Although Berlin has also recently stepped up its rhetoric, calling for more humanitarian help and denouncing the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza, it still seems to favor attempting to persuade Israeli authorities directly.
In a statement released Friday, the German government stated that it is in continuous communication with the Israeli government and other allies over matters such as the necessity of a ceasefire in Gaza and the need to significantly enhance humanitarian assistance. Although it didn’t specify how, it stated that it is ready to apply more pressure if there is no improvement.
Britain has sanctioned radical settlers and stopped certain arms deliveries to Israel, but Starmer is under tremendous pressure to take further action.
Starmer’s wish to keep cordial ties with the U.S. government, which has harshly criticized France’s move, is another factor. In the next days, the British leader will meet President Donald Trump, who is in the country visiting two properties he owns.
Macron’s decision to postpone confirming recognition until September, according to Yossi Mekelberg, a Middle East specialist at the international affairs think tank Chatham House, gives other nations some leeway to join.
He stated, “We know that the U.K. is close, but not there.” We know Starmer doesn’t make snap decisions like this, so this could inspire him. For the UK, this may generate some momentum and some dynamic.
___
This report was written by Geir Moulson of the Associated Press in Berlin.
