The UK has issued a joint statement alongside France and Canada opposing the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and threatening "concrete actions” if Israel “does not lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid”.
The statement on Monday followed an announcement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a day earlier that “basic” humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip would be resumed.
Five aid trucks entered Gaza on Monday for the first time since March 1, when Israel halted the assistance to pressure the terror group to release dozens of hostages it is holding.
The joint statement said: “Yesterday’s announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is wholly inadequate. The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable.
"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.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the statement saying: "By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottawa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities.”
The joint UK, Canadian and French statement also called on Hamas to release immediately the remaining hostages “they have so cruelly held since 7 October 2023”.
They went on: “The Israeli Government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law.
"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.
“Israel suffered a heinous attack on October 7. We have always supported Israel’s right to defend Israelis against terrorism. But this escalation is wholly disproportionate.
“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 also took aim at West Bank settlement expansion, calling of their construction to stop.
The settlements, it said “undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and the security of both Israelis and Palestinians.”
The three countries added that they may use “targeted sanctions” in response to continued settlement building.
The went on: “We strongly support the efforts led by the United States, Qatar and Egypt to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. 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, alleviating the suffering of civilians in Gaza, ending Hamas’ control of Gaza and achieving a pathway to a two-state solution, consistent with the goals of the 18 June conference in New York co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France.
"These negotiations need to succeed, and 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.
“We will continue to work with the Palestinian Authority, regional partners, Israel and the United States to finalise consensus on arrangements for Gaza’s future, building on the Arab plan. We affirm the important role of the High-level Two-State Solution Conference at the UN in June in building international consensus around this aim. And 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.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in his response: “The war began on October 7 when Palestinian terrorists stormed our borders, murdered 1,200 innocent people and abducted over 250 more innocents to the dungeons of Gaza.
“Israel accepts President Trump's vision and urges all European leaders to do the same. The war can end tomorrow if the remaining hostages are released, Hamas 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 won't.
“This is a war of civilization over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved."
