By Ilayda Cakirtekin
ISTANBUL (AA) - Germany, the UK, and France on Friday opposed any attempts to impose Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories.
In a joint statement, the E3 countries said: "We firmly oppose all efforts to impose Israeli sovereignty over the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Threats of annexation, settlements and acts of settler violence against Palestinians undermine the prospects for a negotiated two-state solution."
The E3 leaders expressed "readiness" to support an immediate ceasefire and a political process that leads to lasting security and peace for the entire region.
"The time has come to end the war in Gaza. We urge all parties to bring an end to the conflict by reaching an immediate ceasefire," they said, reaffirming support for the diplomatic efforts of the US, Qatar, and Egypt.
E3 also called for an end to the "humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza and meeting the basic needs of the civilian population.
"Withholding essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable. We call on the Israeli government to immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid and urgently allow the UN and humanitarian NGOs to carry out their work in order to take action against starvation. Israel must uphold its obligations under international humanitarian law," they noted.
They further voiced "commitment" to developing a "specific and credible plan" for the next phase in Gaza with transitional governance, security arrangements, and delivery of humanitarian aid.
"This must be accompanied by the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the removal of Hamas leadership as key steps towards a negotiated two-state solution," the E3 leaders added.