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

T he United Kingdom, Germany and France are calling for an "immediate ceasefire" in Gaza and "unconditional release of all hostages," after the three countries held an emergency call to discuss the ongoing war and humanitarian crisis.

Germany is not planning to recognise a Palestinian state in the short term and said its priority now is to make "long-overdue progress" towards a two-state solution, a German government spokesperson said on Friday.

The world's first hybrid solar cargo ship has just launched in Germany, marking a major milestone for sustainable shipping.

Fans were lining up outside Germany's first Labubu store in central Berlin hours before opening time on Friday, forming a long queue for the plush toy creatures with big googly eyes and sharp teeth. Hundreds waited in the rain with umbrellas and camping chairs outside the Alexa shopping centre,

Germany's cabinet approved a draft law on Wednesday aimed at accelerating defence procurement and construction on military bases, part of a broad effort to better defend itself and allies in response to a more assertive Russia.

The head of parliament banned the rainbow flag from the legislative building. Far-right groups have rallied against the LGBTQ+ community and attacks are on the rise. It all casts a shadow over Pride.

The countries' two defense ministers offered political backing at a "moment of truth" to a program rocked by industrial infighting.