The resumption of Israeli aggression on Gaza on Tuesday was met by international calls to return to ceasefire in the besieged enclave, as the number of martyrs surpassed 420 due to the ongoing bombardment.
France condemned Israeli airstrikes, pointing at “numerous civilian casualties.”
In a statement given at a foreign ministry press briefing, France called for an immediate ceasefire and return to negotiations.
France urged the Zionist entity to protect civilians and to stop blocking humanitarian aid, water and electricity from reaching the Strip. It also called for the unconditional release of all hostages held in Gaza.
Meanwhile, the British government called on ‘Israel’ and Hamas to implement their ceasefire agreement for Gaza “in full,” urging all parties to “return urgently to dialogue” to end fighting.
“We want to see this ceasefire agreement reestablished as soon as possible,” said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s spokesman, adding that reported civilian casualties from Israeli strikes overnight are “appalling.”
Over 400 Palestinians were killed and more than 500 others were injured in the Israeli air strikes that targeted Gaza Strip. pic.twitter.com/Oqc2HDh3Lk
— Eye on Palestine (@EyeonPalestine) March 18, 2025
For its part, Russia condemned the renewed strikes on the Strip.
“Moscow deeply regrets Israel’s resumption of its military operation in the Gaza Strip,” the Russian foreign ministry said.
“Russia strongly condemns any action that leads to the death of civilians and destruction of social infrastructure.”
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry also joined in, denouncing the renewed escalation “in the strongest terms” and calling on the international community to step in to stop what it describes as crimes against the Palestinians.
Furthermore, Qatar’s foreign ministry warned that [Israel’s] escalating policies will ultimately ignite the region and undermine its security and stability,” it says in a statement.
Egypt, Qatar Working to Pressure ‘Israel’: Report
On the other hand, The Washington Post reported that Egypt and Qatar “are working together to push for a renewed ceasefire in Gaza.”
“Egypt and Qatar are planning to have quick connection with Israel side for urgent ceasefire and to start arranging quick meetings in Cairo for entering the next phase and exchange hostages and prisoners in order to achieve peace,” the paper cited a former Egyptian official.
“Egypt is trying to contact the American side to put some pressure on [Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] to accept the ceasefire.”
Source: Agencies
