New Delhi: Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, UK foreign minister David Cameron and German counterpart Annalena Baerbock said that the “need is urgent” for a “sustainable ceasefire” in Gaza.
In a joint article for Britain’s Sunday Times, the two ministers wrote that “too many civilians have been killed” in the conflict, and raised the pressure on Israel to bring its operation against Hamas to a swift, but “sustainable”, end, reported news agency AFP.
“We must do all we can to pave the way to a sustainable ceasefire, leading to a sustainable peace. The sooner it comes, the better — the need is urgent,” they wrote.
The pair further stated that they “do not believe that calling right now for a general and immediate ceasefire, hoping it somehow becomes permanent, is the way forward.
“It ignores why Israel is forced to defend itself: Hamas barbarically attacked Israel and still fires rockets to kill Israeli citizens every day. Hamas must lay down its arms,” they added, according to AFP.
Earlier on Tuesday, the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly demanded a ceasefire in Gaza, but the UK abstained.
Facing growing scrutiny from its allies, Israel is under increased pressure over its military actions in Gaza. The United States, a key supporter, has criticized Israel’s response to the October 7 attacks, referring to the bombing as “indiscriminate,” AFP reported.
Responding to questions about the UK government’s change of tone, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden on Sunday urged Israel to show restraint.
“Israel is dealing with a very difficult situation,” he told the BBC’s “Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg” show.
“If you’re going after an enemy that literally hides underneath hospitals, hides amongst the civilian population, you are going to sustain high levels of civilian casualties.
“What we as a UK government are saying is Israel, you do need to exercise restraint,” he added.
The war began after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7 that killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw around 240 hostages taken, according to Israeli authorities.
Vowing to destroy Hamas and to bring the hostages home, Israel launched a withering offensive on Gaza, which is ruled by the group.