Canada, UK, and France warn Israel of possible sanctions over Gaza offensive and West Bank settlements, calling current aid efforts “wholly inadequate.”
Canada, UK, and France Warn Israel of Sanctions Over Gaza Offensive
In a strongly worded joint statement released Monday, the leaders of Canada, the United Kingdom, and France issued a rare and forceful rebuke of Israel’s escalating military actions in Gaza and the West Bank. The three countries have warned of “concrete actions,” including sanctions, should Israel fail to scale back its operations and ease humanitarian restrictions.
“Wholly Inadequate”: Western Leaders Reject Limited Aid Measures
The leaders condemned Israel’s weekend announcement permitting a limited flow of food into Gaza, calling it “wholly inadequate” in addressing the severe humanitarian crisis. “The level of human suffering is intolerable,” the statement read. The three countries urged Israel to lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, warning that inaction would prompt additional measures.
Netanyahu’s Gaza Strategy Draws International Ire
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Monday that Israel intends to “take control of all of Gaza,” a move that has provoked international backlash. Israel’s latest wave of air and ground operations was launched in an effort to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages from the October 7, 2023, attack. The Israeli army has since ordered the evacuation of Khan Younis, Gaza’s second-largest city.
Netanyahu also reiterated his controversial suggestion that Palestinians be encouraged to emigrate, an idea that has been firmly rejected by Palestinian leaders.
Illegal Settlements Under Scrutiny
The statement also took aim at Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank, calling for an immediate halt. “Israel must halt settlements which are illegal and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and the security of both Israelis and Palestinians,” the leaders wrote. Any continued expansion, they warned, could lead to “targeted sanctions.”
Mounting Pressure for Full Aid Access
The statement follows the entry of five aid trucks—carrying baby food and essential supplies—into Gaza. While the United Nations welcomed the development, it emphasized that much more is required to prevent famine.
Foreign ministers from the three countries, alongside others, have also called for the full resumption of humanitarian aid into Gaza and emphasized the need for impartial delivery by the UN and humanitarian organizations.
Food security experts have issued stark warnings of impending famine, urging immediate and widespread international response.
