LONDON/OTTAWA/PARIS, May 20 (Alliance News): The governments of the United Kingdom, Canada, and France have jointly condemned the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, warning of “concrete actions,” including the imposition of targeted sanctions, if the offensive and restrictions on humanitarian aid are not halted.
In a statement released simultaneously in London, Ottawa, and Paris, the three countries expressed strong opposition to Israel’s continued military escalation and expansion of settlements in the West Bank, calling them violations of international law and a threat to peace.
“Israel must halt settlements which are illegal and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and the security of both Israelis and Palestinians. We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions,” the statement declared.
The joint message also described the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as “intolerable,” criticizing Israel’s recent decision to allow only limited food aid into the territory as “wholly inadequate.”
“We call on the Israeli Government to stop its military operations in Gaza and immediately allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. This must include engaging with the UN to ensure a return to delivery of aid in line with humanitarian principles,” it read.
The statement warned that blocking essential humanitarian assistance to Gaza’s civilian population could amount to a breach of international humanitarian law. It also condemned threatening remarks from some Israeli officials suggesting the forced relocation of Gaza civilians, calling such statements unacceptable and unlawful.
“We will not stand by while the Netanyahu Government pursues these egregious actions. If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response,” the governments warned.
Concluding the statement, the three countries reaffirmed their commitment to a two-state solution, expressing readiness to recognize a Palestinian state as part of broader international efforts for lasting peace.
