Leaders demand immediate ceasefire, call for unrestricted humanitarian aid, and warn of sanctions over Gaza military operations and West Bank settlement expansions.
London [UK], May 20:
In a strongly worded joint statement, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada condemned Israel’s intensified military campaign in Gaza, calling it “wholly disproportionate” and warning of potential “concrete actions” if humanitarian access and hostilities are not halted immediately.
“We strongly oppose the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable,” the statement read.
The leaders called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, unhindered humanitarian access, and the release of all hostages held by Hamas since the October 7 attack. They also reiterated their support for a two-state solution as the only viable path to long-term peace.
Netanyahu’s Offensive Faces Global Backlash
The criticism came in the wake of Israel’s launch of “Gideon’s Chariots”, a large-scale ground offensive aimed at re-establishing control over Gaza, relocating civilians, and eliminating Hamas infrastructure. According to Israeli officials, the offensive could result in full territorial control over Gaza.
The statement took direct aim at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet, warning of international legal consequences and hinting at future sanctions if Israel continues its current trajectory.
“The Israeli Government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law,” the leaders stated, adding, “We will not stand by while the Netanyahu Government pursues these egregious actions.”
Strong Words Against Displacement and Settlement Expansion
In a rare unified stance, the leaders of the three countries — British Prime Minister, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian PM Justin Trudeau — condemned threats of forced civilian relocation and the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, branding them illegal and destabilizing to regional peace efforts.
“Permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law,” the joint statement said. “Israel suffered a heinous attack on October 7. We have always supported its right to self-defense, but this escalation is wholly disproportionate.”
Macron echoed the concerns on social media, writing on X,
“We firmly oppose the expansion of Israeli military operations in Gaza. The level of human suffering is intolerable. In the lead-up to the June 18 conference in New York, we must all work toward implementing the two-state solution.”
Support for US, Qatar, and Egypt’s Mediation Efforts
The leaders strongly backed diplomatic efforts led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to negotiate a ceasefire and broader political resolution.
“A ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages, and a long-term political solution offer the best hope of ending the agony,” the statement read.
The leaders emphasized that such steps are critical not only for humanitarian relief but also for preventing Hamas from regaining control of Gaza and for opening the pathway to a two-state solution.
Human Cost of War
The ongoing conflict, sparked by Hamas’s surprise October 7 attack, has resulted in catastrophic human loss. Approximately 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 hostages taken. In response, Israel’s military operations have, according to Hamas-run authorities, killed over 50,000 people in Gaza — many of them civilians. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) report 856 soldiers killed since the fighting began.
Meanwhile, under pressure from global allies and humanitarian agencies, Israel has agreed to allow a “basic quantity” of food into Gaza, ending a nearly three-month blockade. However, critics argue that this move is “wholly inadequate” in the face of famine and devastation.