Germany, Britain and France urge 'unhindered' Gaza aid
The three European countries called on Israel to allow the delivery of humanitarian supplies into Gaza, and warned against using aid as a political tool.
Israel must ensure "full, rapid, safe, and unhindered" provision of humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza, the foreign ministers of Britain, France, and Germany said in a joint statement on Wednesday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stopped the entry of essential aid into the Gaza Strip on Sunday.
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His office said it was in response to "Hamas' refusal" to accept an outline for the resumption of truce talks presented by US President Donald Trump's envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.
"It is vital that the ceasefire is sustained, all the hostages are released, and continued flows of humanitarian aid to Gaza are ensured," Britain, France, and Germany said.
The Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, which was to be implemented in stages, took effect on January 19 and included a surge in humanitarian assistance. The first phase of the deal expired on Saturday.
The two sides disagree about the next steps in the truce. Israel wants more hostages to be released under an extension of the first phase. But Hamas is pushing for the start of the second phase that would pave the way for a permanent end to the war.
Over 250 hostages were taken by Hamas.
The UN World Food Programme said it only has enough food supplies in the Gaza Strip to keep public kitchens and bakeries open for less than two weeks.
The International Organisation for Migration currently has 22,500 tents sitting in its warehouses in Jordan. Its supply trucks brought back their undelivered cargo once entry to Gaza was barred.
The International Rescue Commission has 6.7 tons (14,771 pounds) of medicines and medical supplies waiting to enter Gaza.
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