In a joint statement on Monday by the top leaders of Canada, France and the United Kingdom, the three countries slammed Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s expansion of military operations and its “egregious actions” in Gaza, and threatened Israel with targeted sanctions.
“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 statement said.
Israel yesterday allowed a limited quantity of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, marking an end to a 10-week blockade that had choked off food, medicine and essential supplies for over two million people.
The joint statement, posted by Canada’s newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney on X, mentioned that yesterday’s announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is wholly inadequate, urging Israeli Government to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza and engage with the UN to ensure a return to delivery of aid in line with humanitarian principles.
The statement also mentioned that the ceasefire efforts by the United States, Qatar and Egypt need to succeed, “we must all work towards the implementation of a two-state solution, which is the only way to bring long-lasting peace and security that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve and ensure long-term stability in the region.”
Adding that they 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.
However, Netanyahu on X, said that leaders in “London, Ottowa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities.” He also mentioned that the war can end tomorrow if the remaining hostages are released by Hamas and it lays down its arms, “its murderous leaders are exiled and Gaza is demilitarized. No nation can be expected to accept anything less and Israel certainly wont.”
The leader from Canada, France and the United Kingdom also called for the immediate release of the hostages held by Hamas since the October 7 attack, mentioning that the three countries have supported Israel’s right to defend Israelis against terrorism. “But this escalation is wholly disproportionate.”
The statement also condemned the language used recently by members of the Israeli Government, regarding the destruction of Gaza and relocation of civilians. “Permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law.”
While Netanyahu said that this is a war of civilization over barbarism, the joint statement by the three countries condemned any attempt of expanded settlement by Israel into the West Bank.
"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."
