Israel-Hamas war latest: Leaders of France, Germany and Britain endorse push for cease-fire in Gaza
Relatives and friends of Yonatan Deutsch, who was killed in a drive-by shooting in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, carry his body during his funeral at a cemetery in Jerusalem, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. Credit: AP/Leo Correa
The leaders of France, Germany and Britain in a joint statement have endorsed the latest push by mediators United States, Qatar and Egypt to broker an agreement to end the 10-month Israel-Hamas war. They also call for the return of scores of hostages held by Hamas and the “unfettered” delivery of humanitarian aid.
Mediators have spent months trying to get the sides to agree to a three-phase plan in which Hamas would release the remaining hostages captured in its Oct. 7 attack in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel and Israel would withdraw from Gaza. Talks have been expected to resume Thursday.
The statement was signed by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. It also called on Iran and its allies to refrain from any retaliatory attacks that would further escalate regional tensions after the killing of two senior militants last month in Beirut and Tehran.
SARRA SOUNDS OFF: Flag football exploding on Long Island On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's high school sports writers talk flag football, baseball and boys lacrosse.
SARRA SOUNDS OFF: Flag football exploding on Long Island On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's high school sports writers talk flag football, baseball and boys lacrosse.
