"The humanitarian catastrophe that we are witnessing in Gaza must end now," a joint statement from the three countries reads.

The UK, France and Germany have called for an end to the war in Gaza and for Israel to "immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid" into the area. "The humanitarian catastrophe that we are witnessing in Gaza must end now,” Sir Keir Starmer said in a joint statement with German chancellor Friedrich Merz and French president Emmanuel Macron.

More than 140 countries, including several in Europe, already recognise Palestine. But France is the first major Western power to take the step. Israel and the United States have both criticised the decision.