Britain, France and Canada issued a stark warning to Israel on Monday, calling for an immediate end to military operations in Gaza and the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid, warning that “further concrete measures” would follow if they failed to do so.
In an unusually strong statement, the three countries condemned Israel’s continued attacks on Gaza, which have killed more than 53,000 people since October 2023, calling them “wholly disproportionate” and expressing concern about possible violations of international humanitarian law.
“We strongly oppose the expansion of Israeli military operations in Gaza. The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable. Yesterday’s announcement that Israel would allow basic food into Gaza is completely inadequate,” the joint statement said.
The governments called on Israel to end its attacks on Gaza and work with the UN to ensure effective aid delivery.
They also called on Hamas to release the remaining hostages taken during the attack on October 7, 2023.
“We call on the Israeli government to immediately cease military operations in Gaza and allow humanitarian aid to enter. This must include working with the UN to allow the return of aid deliveries in accordance with humanitarian principles. We call on Hamas to immediately release the remaining hostages it has been cruelly holding since October 7, 2023,” it said.
The three countries accused Israel of withholding crucial humanitarian aid, warning that such actions “may constitute a violation of international humanitarian law.”
“The Israeli government’s refusal to provide essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and threatens to violate international humanitarian law. We also condemn the appalling language recently used by members of the Israeli government, threatening that, in desperation over the destruction of Gaza, civilians will begin to move. Permanent forced displacement constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law.”
– “We will not stand by” –
“We will not stand by while the Netanyahu government carries out these harsh actions. If Israel does not halt the renewed military offensive and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take additional concrete measures,” the statement said.
In addition to the crisis in Gaza, the statement also addressed the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, warning that it undermines regional stability and the possibility of a future Palestinian state.
“We oppose any attempt to expand settlements in the West Bank. Israel must stop the settlements that are illegal and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and the security of both Israelis and Palestinians. We will not hesitate to take additional measures, including sanctions,” the statement said.
The leaders expressed support for the ceasefire talks brokered by the United States, Qatar and Egypt, and reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution.
“We are committed to recognizing the state of Palestine as a contribution to achieving a two-state solution and stand ready to cooperate with others on this front,” the statement concluded.
