Hamas has publicly welcomed a joint statement from the UK, France and Canada that threatened “concrete action” against Israel if it doesn’t call off its latest Gaza offensive and fully renew the delivery of aid to the Strip.
The statement rejected Israel’s announcement that it would deliver “basic aid” to Gazans to prevent a “starvation crisis” and demanded an end to Operation Gideon’s Chariots, which is set to see Israel “taking control” of the entire enclave according to Prime Minister Netanyahu.
A Hamas spokesman claimed that the ultimatum from the three nations was “a significant step in the right direction”.
According to the Palestine Information Centre, a Hamas-affiliated news outlet, the group added: “The declaration reflects a principled stance against the Israeli occupation’s policy of siege and starvation targeting Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, as well as Zionist plans of genocide and forced displacement.”
The joint statement, issued yesterday, said: “The 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.
“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.”
Reports this morning suggest that these “concrete actions” could include Paris backing a Dutch-led for a review of the EU-Israel trade deal, which could have a significant economic and diplomatic impact.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, told the country’s public radio network: “The situation is unbearable because the blind violence and the blocking of humanitarian aid by the Israeli government have turned Gaza into a dying ground — if not a cemetery.”
The response could also include the three nations placing sanctions on Israeli settlements. It is the longstanding position of the UK government that the settlements are illegal under international law.
However, the statement has been met with wholesale condemnation in Jerusalem.
In response, Netanyahu said: “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 demilitarised. No nation can be expected to accept anything less and Israel certainly won't.
“This is a war of civilisation over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved.”
