EU Leaders, Including French FM Barrot, Call for Immediate Gaza Ceasefire, Hostage Release, and Reject Israeli Annexation

European Union leaders have called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The call, made jointly by leaders from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, emphasizes the urgency of halting military operations and facilitating humanitarian aid. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot highlighted efforts launched in New York to achieve a political solution in the Middle East, stressing the need for a ceasefire and the dignified release of all hostages without conditions. He also underscored the importance of delivering a peace message, warning against further delays in establishing peace and condemning the continuation of Israeli military actions in Gaza as unjustified. Additionally, Barrot called for the development of a roadmap for the post-conflict phase in Gaza. The EU leaders have also rejected Israeli annexation of occupied territories, reinforcing their stance on the conflict's resolution.