BRUSSELS, May 19, 2025 (WAFA) - A joint statement by the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Canada regarding the situation in Gaza and the West Bank warned that if Israel does not cease its renewed military offensive and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, the three countries will take further concrete measures in response.
“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,” read the statement.
The statement added: “We strongly oppose the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. “The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable.”
The three countries also condemned recent remarks made by Israeli officials: “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.“
The leaders criticized Israel’s recent announcement regarding limited food entry into Gaza, stating: “Yesterday’s announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is 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,“ added the statement.
The joint statement emphasized that the Israeli Government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law.
On the situation in the West Bank, the statement was equally firm: “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.”
The three countries also voiced support for current diplomatic efforts, stressing that: “We strongly support the efforts led by the United States, Qatar and Egypt to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.”
The statement concluded with a renewed call for a political solution: “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.”
“We are committed to recognizing a Palestinian state as a contribution to achieving a two-state solution and are prepared to work with others to this end.”
Since March 2, the Israeli occupation has sealed off Gaza’s border crossings, preventing the entry of food, medical supplies, humanitarian aid, and other goods, leading to a severe deterioration in the humanitarian conditions.
T.R.
