Statement from the foreign ministers of the UK, France and
Germany (E3) on humanitarian access in Gaza.
"We, the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the United
Kingdom recall our continued support for the ceasefire between
Israel and Hamas.
It is vital that the ceasefire is sustained, all the hostages are
released, and continued flows of humanitarian aid to Gaza are
ensured. We urge all parties to engage constructively in
negotiating the subsequent phases of the deal to help ensure its
full implementation and a permanent end to hostilities. We
welcome Egyptian, Qatari and US efforts in mediating and seeking
to agree an extension to the ceasefire.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. We express
our deep concern at the Government of Israel's announcement on 2
March to halt all entry of goods and supplies into Gaza. We call
on the Government of Israel to abide by its international
obligations to ensure full, rapid, safe and unhindered provision
of humanitarian assistance to the population in Gaza. This
includes supply of items such as medical equipment, shelter
items, and water and sanitation equipment, essential to meet
humanitarian and early recovery needs in Gaza, but which face
restrictions under Israel's “dual use” list. A halt on goods and
supplies entering Gaza, such as that announced by the Government
of Israel would risk violating International Humanitarian Law.
Humanitarian aid should never be contingent on a ceasefire or
used as a political tool. We reiterate that the civilians of Gaza
who have suffered so much must be allowed to return to their
homes and rebuild their lives.
All hostages must be unconditionally released and Hamas must end
their degrading and humiliating treatment. We reiterate our
unwavering solidarity with their families and with the Israeli
people in the face of the terrorist attacks committed by Hamas on
7 October 2023.
We need all parties to uphold the ceasefire and ensure it leads
to a sustainable peace, the reconstruction of Gaza, and to allow
for a credible pathway towards a two-state solution in which
Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace."
