On March 22, 2025, the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom made a coordinated appeal for an immediate return to the ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need to halt escalating violence that recently erupted in the region. In a joint statement issued late Friday, the ministers condemned the resumption of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, describing them as a drastic setback for the local population, hostages, their families, and the broader regional stability.
The ceasefire, which had been in effect since January 19, 2025, marked a period of relative calm until a wave of surprise airstrikes by Israel on March 18, 2025, shattered the peace. Following these attacks, which resulted in significant casualties, the ministers stressed that militaristic solutions would not resolve the conflict and warned that continued fighting would only exacerbate the situation, leading to the death of more civilians on both sides.
The joint statement called for all parties to resume negotiations to ensure that the ceasefire could be fully implemented and eventually become permanent. The ministers insisted on Israel's obligation to respect international law and facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza without delay. They stated clearly, “Civilians must be protected and not deprived of essential aid or assistance.”
Furthermore, the ministers urged Israel to restore humanitarian access, ensuring that those in need of medical treatment could receive it, and the ability for medical evacuations to take place—actions critical under international humanitarian law. They also highlighted the necessity to protect United Nations personnel and their facilities, categorically denouncing any attacks against them. This was in response to the recent illegitimate death and injuries inflicted upon UN employees during the attacks.
The statement underscored that a lasting ceasefire is the only credible pathway toward achieving sustainable peace—a two-state solution alongside the successful reconstruction of Gaza. The call was met with increasing urgency, especially as reports emerged of further casualties and widespread destruction due to ongoing Israeli bombings. According to local media reports, hundreds have died since the ceasefire's breakdown, including at least 200 minors, as confirmed by UNICEF.
In its military reports, the Israeli army indicated that one of the recent strikes also led to the death of Osama Tabash, the head of Hamas’s military intelligence in Gaza, a significant figure given the ongoing hostilities. Additionally, an attack damaged a hospital built by Turkey near the Nazarín corridor, which Ankara condemned as a deliberate assault. The facility was believed to be the sole provider of cancer treatment in the area and had no patients at the time of the strike.
Alongside these developments, widespread protests erupted in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, where citizens demanded an immediate end to the military operations. The pressure mounted on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faced intense scrutiny and eventually opted to dismiss Ronen Bar, director of Shin Bet—Israel's internal security agency. However, this dismissal was later suspended by the Israeli High Court.
The urgent situation prompted the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom to express their outrage over the number of civilian casualties since the ceasefire ended. They characterized the events as a “dramatic setback” for the enduring peace sought by many in the region and called for a return to a ceasefire to avoid further humanitarian crises.
Amidst the chaos, speculation arose regarding Egypt's potential role in providing temporary housing for displaced Gazans—specifically, reports suggested that Egypt might be willing to accommodate half a million residents in a designated northern Sinai city as part of ongoing reconstruction plans. However, Egyptian officials swiftly denied these claims, labeling them as unfounded.
As the situation continues to develop, global leaders watch closely, hoping for a resolution that addresses the immediate humanitarian needs of the Gazan people while also paving a path toward peace. The collective call for a ceasefire from major European powers is a significant diplomatic effort aimed at reducing violence and restoring normalcy in the region. Midst these military actions, the looming threats of casualties and international condemnation ring louder than before.
In conclusion, as tensions mount in Gaza, the international community grapples with the urgent need for a ceasefire and humanitarian assistance, striving to ensure that the path forward leads not only to the immediate cessation of hostilities but also to a sustainable solution that upholds human dignity and respects the rights of everyone involved.
