Britain, Canada, France warns Israel of 'specific actions' toward military expansion – state
Leaders in Canada, Britain and France condemned Israel's expansion of military operations and operations in Gaza and the West Bank, threatening concrete actions, including sanctions in a joint statement Monday.
The statement announced Sunday said Israel would allow Gaza to have “completely insufficient” basic food and said the level of human suffering was “unbearable”.
“We will not stick to it when the Netanyahu government takes these serious actions,” the statement said. “If Israel does not stop the new military offensive and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions.”
The three countries have always supported Israel's right to defend itself from terrorism, but said the escalation was disproportionate.
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Israel launched a new wave of air and ground operations throughout Gaza over the weekend, saying Hamas would release the remaining hostages from the October 7, 2023 attack. The army ordered the evacuation of Khan Yunis, Gaza's second largest city.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Israel plans to “control the entire Gaza.” He said Israel will also encourage what he described as voluntary immigration to other countries. The Palestinians rejected the suggestion.
The statements of the three countries severely criticized “any attempt to expand settlements in the West Bank”.
“Israel must cease settlements, which are illegal and undermine the viability of the Palestinian state and the security of Israelis and Palestinians,” it said. “We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions.”
Shortly after the three countries' statements, five trucks carrying baby food and other aid entered the territory. The UN calls it a “popular development” but says more aid is needed.
Food security experts warned of famine last week.
Foreign ministers from three countries, as well as many others, also issued a joint statement on Monday calling on Israel to immediately restore aid to Gaza.
They called on the United Nations and humanitarian organizations to work independently and impartially and provide assistance to Gaza.
& Copy 2025 Canadian Press
