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

The leaders of Britain, France and Germany said Friday the "humanitarian catastrophe" in the Gaza Strip "must end now", as the war-ravaged Palestinian territory faces a deepening crisis. The European leaders also stressed that "the time has come to end the war in Gaza.

Germany does not plan to follow in France's footsteps and recognize Palestine as a state in the near future, government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said on Friday. He said the German government sees recognition as "one of the final steps" on the path to a two-state solution,