British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock emphasized on Saturday the “urgent need” for a “permanent ceasefire” in Gaza.
In a joint article published in the Sunday Times, the ministers wrote that “a very large number of civilians have been killed” in this war, and urged Israel to quickly but permanently end its military operation against Hamas.
According to the French Press Agency, the ministers stated, “We must do everything in our power to pave the way for a permanent ceasefire that leads to lasting peace. The sooner, the better, as the need is urgent.”
However, they also noted that they “do not believe that calling now for a general and immediate ceasefire, in the hope that it somehow becomes permanent, is the way forward.”
They added, “This ignores the reason Israel had to defend itself: Hamas brutally attacked Israel, and continues to launch rockets every day to kill Israeli citizens. Hamas must lay down its arms.”
The United Nations General Assembly voted on Tuesday evening, with an overwhelming majority, on a non-binding resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza; however, the UK abstained from voting.
Israel faces increasing pressure from its allies over its war in Gaza, with the United States (its main supporter) criticizing what it described as “indiscriminate bombing” leading to civilian casualties.
