(Alamy)
3 min read
The UK, France and Canada have jointly promised to take “further concrete actions” if Israel does not stop its renewed military operations in Gaza and fails to lift restrictions on humanitarian aid reaching the strip.
In a wide-ranging statement on Monday, all three governments said the situation in Gaza was “intolerable”. They described the Israeli government’s announcement on Sunday, which allowed food to enter Gaza for the first time since March, was “wholly inadequate”.
“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. We call on Hamas to release immediately the remaining hostages they have so cruelly held since 7 October 2023.
“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.”
Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said they had always supported Israel’s right to defend itself after the October 7 attack, but said the recent escalation was “wholly disproportionate” and the Israeli government’s actions “egregious”.
“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,” they added.
“We oppose any attempt to expand settlements in 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.”
Canada, UK and France said they strong support efforts by the US, Qatar and Egypt to secure an immediate ceasefire with the release of all 59 hostages.
“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.”
The war in Gaza started on October 7 after Hamas invaded Israel and killed 1,200 people and abducted a further 251 people. The Hamas-run health ministry, which does not differentiate between civillians and combatants, has claimed more than 50,000 people have died in Gaza since the war began.
For months Labour MPs have been stepping up calls on their party’s government to harden its position on Israel. The recent statement shows the government has toughened up its position on the war in Gaza.
The previous position was that the government wanted to see a sustained ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all 59 hostages held by Hamas, and more aid going into the Gaza Strip.
