LONDON: The leaders of Britain, France and Germany demanded Israel allow unrestricted aid into Gaza to end a “humanitarian catastrophe,” after French President Emmanuel Macron announced that his country will become the first major Western power to recognize a Palestinian state. The joint statement, issued after a call between Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, called for an immediate ceasefire and said that “withholding essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable,” though it broke no new diplomatic ground.

More than 140 countries recognize a Palestinian state, including more than a dozen in Europe.

French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the Palestinian Authority's pledge to renew its governance and demilitarize Hamas. He hopes other countries will follow suit after the…