UK, France & Canada oppose expansion of Israel's military operations in Gaza

Paris (Web Desk/Agencies): Canada, the United Kingdom (UK), and France have issued a strongly worded joint statement denouncing Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza and warning of potential “concrete actions” in response, including the imposition of targeted sanctions. The three governments expressed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and condemned Israeli policies they say are undermining the prospects for 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 read, reflecting a significant escalation in rhetoric from close Western allies of Israel.

The statement made clear that the three countries oppose any attempt to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank, which they regard as a serious obstacle to peace.

The governments said they “strongly oppose the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza,” describing the level of human suffering in the territory as “intolerable.” They criticized a recent announcement by Israel allowing only a limited quantity of food into Gaza, calling it “wholly inadequate.”

Calling for an immediate halt to the military campaign, the statement demanded that Israel allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza without delay. “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 stated.

The joint message also accused the Israeli government of breaching international norms through its ongoing restrictions on humanitarian supplies.

“The Israeli Government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law,” the statement said.

The three nations also condemned recent remarks by members of the Israeli government suggesting that Palestinians in Gaza may be permanently displaced.

“We condemn the abhorrent language used recently by members of the Israeli Government, threatening that, in their despair at the destruction of Gaza, civilians will start to relocate. Permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law,” the statement declared.

Expressing their growing alarm over the direction of Israeli policy, the governments warned that they are prepared to take further measures if the situation does not change.

“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,” they said.

The statement concluded with a declaration of support for Palestinian statehood, suggesting that recognition of a Palestinian state could be part of a broader push toward resolving the conflict.

“And we are committed to recognizing a Palestinian state as a contribution to achieving a two-state solution and are prepared to work with others to this end,” it said.