12/17/2023

European Ministers Call For a 'Sustainable Ceasefire' in Gaza

Here is what that means

U.K. Foreign Minister David Cameron and German foreign affairs minister Annalena Baerbock expressed in an editorial for The Sunday Times their backing of a "sustainable ceasefire" in its war against Hamas in Gaza.

Cameron and Baerbock highlighted the difference between a sustainable ceasefire and an "immediate ceasefire," which has been widely called for elsewhere. "Let us be clear. We do not believe that calling right now for a general and immediate ceasefire, hoping it somehow becomes permanent, is the way forward," they argued. Instead, they envision reaching a peace that lasts "for days, years, generations."

Cameron and Baerbock are putting more pressure on Israel to protect civilians after Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry said more than 18,000 people have died. The ministers said that "too many civilians have been killed," and while Israel has a right to defend itself, it must do so respecting international law and distinguishing more between Hamas militants and civilians.

Please select this link to read the complete article from TIME.