UK, France, Canada warn of action if Israel continues Gaza offensive

The United Kingdom, France, and Canada issued a joint statement on Monday condemning Israel’s renewed military offensive in Gaza and threatening “further concrete actions” if the operation continues and humanitarian aid remains restricted.

The statement criticized the Israeli government’s conduct, warning that the three countries would not “stand by while the Netanyahu Government pursues these egregious actions.” The leaders also emphasized their readiness to support the recognition of a Palestinian state as part of efforts toward a two-state solution.

The call for action comes amid growing international concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. A coalition of 22 countries, including the UK, France, and Canada, demanded Israel immediately restore full access to aid, noting the risk of widespread starvation.

Israel has maintained a full blockade on aid to Gaza since March 2 but announced Monday that it would allow limited humanitarian deliveries.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the move, citing concerns that images of mass starvation could damage international support for Israel’s military campaign.

The joint statement also condemned recent inflammatory remarks by Israeli officials and warned against the prospect of forced displacement of Gaza’s civilian population, stating such actions would breach international humanitarian law.

The war, triggered by Hamas’s October 2023 attack that killed 1,218 people in Israel, has since led to significant casualties in Gaza. The enclave’s health ministry reported over 3,340 deaths since March 18, bringing the total death toll in Gaza to 53,486.