European foreign ministers urge Israel to resume Gaza aid deliveries

Britain, France and Germany have expressed “deep concern” over Israel’s ban on the entry of aid into Gaza, saying the humanitarian situation there was “catastrophic” and that such a move could break international humanitarian law. Israel imposed the ban on Sunday after Hamas rejected its proposal to extend a ceasefire and continue releasing hostages seized from Israel during its October 7, 2023 attacks. The first phase of the ceasefire ended a day earlier without negotiations starting on the second phase – involving a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza – as agreed under the terms of the truce that began on January 19.