LONDON, May 19 (Reuters) - The leaders of Britain, Canada, and France have issued a stern warning to Israel, threatening sanctions if the nation does not cease its ongoing military offensive in Gaza and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid. This joint statement adds increasing pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has faced international criticism for his government's actions.
The Israeli military announced the initiation of a new operation on Friday, with Netanyahu declaring on Monday that Israel intends to take control of the entire Gaza territory. This escalation has raised alarms among international experts, who are warning of a looming humanitarian crisis, including potential famine within the region.
The British government, in a joint statement, condemned the Israeli government's denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population, labeling it as unacceptable and a potential violation of International Humanitarian Law. They reiterated their opposition to any attempts to expand settlements in the West Bank and emphasized their readiness to implement targeted sanctions if necessary.
In response to the threats from the leaders in London, Ottawa, and Paris, Netanyahu characterized their statements as an invitation for further violence against Israel, referencing the tragic events of October 7. He asserted that Israel would continue to defend itself by all means necessary until a complete victory is achieved. This includes conditions for ending the conflict, such as the release of hostages and the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip.
Since March, Israel has imposed a blockade on essential supplies, including medical aid, food, and fuel, in an attempt to pressure Hamas to release hostages taken during the October 7 attack. This conflict, initiated by a Hamas-led assault that resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and the capture of 251 hostages, has led to a devastating humanitarian situation in Gaza. According to health authorities in Gaza, over 53,000 people, many of whom are civilians, have lost their lives due to the ongoing violence.
The leaders of Britain, Canada, and France have expressed their firm opposition to what they describe as disproportionate escalation by Netanyahu's government. They pledged not to remain passive while these actions continue and voiced their support for diplomatic efforts led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Furthermore, they reaffirmed their commitment to recognizing a Palestinian state as a vital component of a two-state solution to the enduring conflict.
In a notable response, Hamas welcomed the joint statement from the Western leaders, viewing it as a significant step towards restoring the principles of international law and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The ongoing conflict continues to draw international attention and raises critical questions about the future of peace in the region.
Reporting by Muvija M; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne, Sandra Maler, and Howard Goller.
