The United Kingdom, France and Canada have jointly issued a stern warning to Israel, threatening “concrete actions,” which could include targeted sanctions, if the country does not cease its renewed military offensive in Gaza and lift severe restrictions on humanitarian aid.
In a joint statement released on Monday, the leaders of the three nations emphasised their resolve, stating, “We will not hesitate to take further action,” if the current situation continues. This development escalates international pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government amidst an intensifying conflict and a deepening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
The renewed Israeli military operation, which commenced over the weekend following days of heavy airstrikes, has reportedly led to hundreds of casualties, according to health authorities in Gaza. International experts have also been warning of a looming famine in the besieged enclave due to the ongoing blockade of essential supplies.
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Humanitarian Crisis and “Disproportionate” Response Criticised
The joint statement from the UK, France and Canada strongly condemned the humanitarian situation. “The Israeli Government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law,” the statement read, as cited by multiple news outlets. The leaders further declared, “We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions.
While affirming their support for “Israel’s right to defend Israelis against terrorism,” the three Western leaders described the current military escalation as “wholly disproportionate.”
They asserted they would not stand by while Mr. Netanyahu’s government pursued “these egregious actions.” The statement also reiterated opposition to any attempts to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank.
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Israel’s Reaction and Aid Deliveries
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted sharply to the prospect of international sanctions and other punitive measures. He accused the leaders of the UK, France, and Canada of “offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities.”
Mr. Netanyahu has maintained that Israel will defend itself until “total victory is achieved,” with conditions including the release of hostages and the demilitarisation of Gaza.
Recently, Israel permitted a small consignment of aid trucks to enter Gaza. However, this was described in the joint statement as “wholly inadequate.” UN aid chief Tom Fletcher characterised the delivery as “limited” and a “drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed.”
Image: Ronen Zvulun/AP
