UK and German foreign ministers call for 'sustainable ceasefire' in Gaza

UK foreign minister David Cameron and German counterpart Annalena Baerbock on Saturday said that the "need is urgent" for a "sustainable ceasefire" in Gaza.

The two ministers wrote in a joint article in The Sunday Times that "too many civilians have been killed" in the conflict, and raised the pressure on Israel to bring its war on Gaza to a swift, but "sustainable", end.

"We must do all we can to pave the way to a sustainable ceasefire, leading to a sustainable peace. The sooner it comes, the better - the need is urgent," they wrote.

However, the pair also said that they "do not believe that calling right now for a general and immediate ceasefire, hoping it somehow becomes permanent, is the way forward.

"It ignores why Israel is forced to defend itself: Hamas barbarically attacked Israel and still fires rockets to kill Israeli citizens every day. Hamas must lay down its arms," they added.

The United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday night overwhelmingly demanded a ceasefire in Gaza, but the UK abstained.

Israel is coming increasing pressure from its allies over its war in Gaza, with even its key backer the United States criticising its bombing as "indiscriminate".

Israel's ferocious attacks on the Gaza Strip have targeted hospitals, schools, and places of worship and have so-far killed more than 18,800 people, including at least 8000 children.