ISLAMABAD, May 20 (Alliance News): The governments of Canada, the United Kingdom, and France have issued a strong joint statement opposing the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and warning of potential “concrete actions,” including targeted sanctions, if the offensive continues.
In the statement released by their respective governments, the three countries criticized Israel’s military actions and settlement expansion, calling them violations of international law and a threat to peace and security in the region.
“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,” the joint statement read.
The three nations also opposed any attempts to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank. Highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, they described the current level of human suffering as “intolerable,” adding that Israel’s recent announcement to allow limited food supplies was “wholly inadequate.”
They urged the Israeli government to immediately stop its military operations and allow unrestricted humanitarian aid into Gaza in coordination with the United Nations, stressing the importance of upholding humanitarian principles.
The statement condemned the Israeli government’s continued denial of essential humanitarian aid, warning that it could amount to a breach of international humanitarian law. It also denounced inflammatory remarks by Israeli officials suggesting the forced relocation of Gaza’s population, labeling such language and intentions as violations of international norms.
“If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response,” the statement warned.
The three governments reiterated their commitment to the two-state solution and expressed readiness to recognize a Palestinian state as part of broader efforts to achieve lasting peace.
