The leaders of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom on Monday called for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages in the ongoing Middle East conflict. 

In a joint statement, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer voiced strong support for a recent appeal by Qatar, Egypt, and the US for renewed peace talks.

“The fighting must end now, and all hostages still detained by Hamas must be released. The people of Gaza need urgent and unfettered delivery and distribution of aid,” read a joint statement from the three countries.

They also called for Iran and its allies to avoid actions that could further escalate regional tensions, stating, “they will bear responsibility for actions that jeopardize this opportunity for peace and stability.”

The statement concluded with a unified commitment to de-escalation, asserting, “no country or nation stands to gain from a further escalation in the Middle East.”

The leaders of the US, Egypt, and Qatar are pushing for a resumption of negotiations between Israel and Hamas on August 15 to finalize a ceasefire deal for Gaza. 

A joint statement from the White House last Thursday announced that the leaders aim to present a final proposal to resolve outstanding issues and have urged both parties to meet in Doha or Cairo next Thursday.

While the Israeli prime minister’s office has expressed readiness to send a delegation, it remains uncertain if Hamas will participate.

The group has recently hardened its position following the assassination of its political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Iran. 

Hamas has since appointed Yahya Sinwar as its new leader. Israel accuses Sinwar of masterminding the October 7th large-scale attack.