Leaders from the United Kingdom, France, and Canada issued a forceful joint statement on Sunday criticizing Israel’s continued military campaign in Gaza, as the IDF intensified its efforts to target Hamas and rescue hostages taken on October 7.
“We strongly oppose the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable,” the statement read. The trio of leaders dismissed Israel’s decision to permit minimal food shipments into Gaza as “wholly inadequate,” urging an immediate end to military activity and an open humanitarian corridor.
The statement called on Israel to actively coordinate with the United Nations to resume proper humanitarian aid distribution, emphasizing that assistance must meet international relief standards. “This must include engaging with the UN to ensure a return to delivery of aid in line with humanitarian principles,” they stated, declaring the current lack of access “unacceptable.”
In addition to urging Israeli cooperation, the statement demanded that Hamas free the hostages it continues to hold captive.
“We call on Hamas to release immediately the remaining hostages they have so cruelly held since 7 October 2023,” the leaders said.
The declaration went further, accusing Israel of preventing the flow of life-saving supplies, warning that such policies “risk breaching International Humanitarian Law.” The leaders also expressed outrage over statements by Israeli officials suggesting the relocation of Gaza residents, saying such rhetoric signals support for unlawful displacement.
“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,” the statement continued.
Although the leaders acknowledged the gravity of the October 7 terror attack and Israel’s right to defend itself, they sharply criticized the scale of the military response, characterizing it as “wholly disproportionate.”
“We will not stand by while the Netanyahu Government pursues these egregious actions,” they stated. The statement warned of impending consequences if Israel does not curb its offensive and remove restrictions on humanitarian aid, promising “further concrete actions.”
The statement also addressed Israel’s policy in Judea and Samaria, objecting to continued settlement activity and describing it as a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability. “We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions,” the leaders cautioned.
“Israel must halt settlements which are illegal and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and the security of both Israelis and Palestinians,” they added.
Backing mediation efforts by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, the statement called for a swift ceasefire, the immediate return of all hostages, and renewed steps toward establishing two sovereign states.
“It is a ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages and a long-term political solution that offer the best hope of ending the agony of the hostages and their families,” the statement read.
The leaders also reiterated their willingness to work alongside the Palestinian Authority and regional players to develop a post-war plan for Gaza and stressed their openness to recognizing a Palestinian state within the framework of a negotiated two-state outcome.“We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state as a contribution to achieving a two-state solution and are prepared to work with others to this end,” they concluded.
{Matzav.com Israel}