PRESS RELEASE : Israel-Gaza ceasefire negotiations – UK, France, Germany and Italy foreign ministers’ joint statement [August 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 August 2024.

Foreign ministers of the UK, France, Germany and Italy gave a statement following an update on Israel-Gaza ceasefire negotiations.

Statement by Foreign Ministers of the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy:

We, the Foreign Ministers of the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy, strongly support the ongoing mediation efforts by the United States, Egypt and Qatar to conclude the agreement for a ceasefire and the release of hostages and are encouraged by the constructive approach adopted so far.

We welcome the fact that technical work will continue over the coming days, including on both the humanitarian provisions and the specific arrangements relating to hostages and detainees, and that senior officials will then reconvene before the end of next week with the aim of concluding the agreement.

We urge all parties to continue to engage positively and flexibly in this process. We underline the importance of avoiding any escalatory action in the region which would undermine the prospect for peace.  There is too much at stake.