UK, France, and Canada threaten sanctions on Israel over Gaza offensive and crisis

20 May 2025 00:09
20 May 2025 00:19

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UK, France, and Canada threaten sanctions on Israel over Gaza offensive and crisis

Photo: AFP

On Monday, Britain, France, and Canada issued an unusually strong joint statement, warning that they are considering imposing sanctions on Israel due to the "intolerable level of human suffering in Gaza."

The statement, released by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, called for an immediate halt to Israeli military operations in the Palestinian enclave and the unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid, News.Az reports citing foreign media.

“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,” the leaders wrote. The statement also demanded the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas.

The leaders accused Israel of failing to provide essential aid to civilians, warning this may constitute a violation of international humanitarian law. They also condemned statements by Israeli Cabinet ministers suggesting the forced relocation of Gaza residents, calling such remarks a breach of international law.

While acknowledging Israel’s right to self-defense, the joint declaration criticized the scope of the latest IDF campaign, known as Operation Gideon’s Chariots, as “wholly disproportionate,” and said their governments would not remain passive. “We will not stand by while the Netanyahu Government pursues these egregious actions,” the statement read, noting that targeted sanctions are among the measures under consideration.

The three countries also addressed developments in the West Bank, urging Israel to halt settlement expansion, which they labeled illegal and a threat to the two-state solution. They vowed not to hesitate in taking further action if necessary.

The declaration comes amid renewed international efforts to secure a ceasefire, and reflects the leaders’ backing of the American-Qatari-Egyptian mediation initiative. Starmer, Macron and Carney voiced support for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and a political resolution that would end Hamas rule in Gaza and advance a two-state solution.

Finally, the three leaders committed to pursuing recognition of a Palestinian state as the “only way to bring long-lasting peace” and confirmed their participation in an upcoming international summit in New York aimed at "building international consensus" on the issue.

News.Az