Western leaders warn Israel: Halt offensive or face sanctions
France, the United Kingdom, and Canada are threatening Israel with "concrete actions" if it does not cease its offensive in the Gaza Strip and allow humanitarian aid through. Macron, Starmer, and Carney also declared their readiness to recognise Palestinian statehood and condemned forced relocations.
The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, along with the Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom and Canada, Keir Starmer and Mike Carney, have stated that they cannot remain passive in response to Israel's "egregious actions." They announced that if the offensive in the Gaza Strip does not cease and humanitarian aid is not fully allowed, their countries will take "concrete actions" against Israel.
In a joint statement released on Monday, the three leaders acknowledged that Israel was brutally attacked on October 7, 2023, and affirmed their continued recognition of its right to defend itself against terrorism. However, they emphasized that the current escalation in the conflict is completely disproportionate.
Macron, Starmer, and Carney voiced their opposition to the expansion of illegal settlements on the West Bank and warned of "targeted sanctions" if their expansion continues.
They also condemned the "repugnant rhetoric" of some representatives of the Israeli authorities, who suggested that the conditions in the Gaza Strip would force the civilian population to leave the territory. "Forced and permanent relocations are contrary to international humanitarian law," the statement noted.
The statement also called on Hamas for the immediate release of "cruelly held" Israeli hostages and expressed support for the efforts of the USA, Qatar, and Egypt to negotiate a ceasefire.
The leaders of France, the United Kingdom, and Canada declared their readiness to recognise Palestinian statehood and emphasised their support for a two-state solution, which involves the creation of an independent Palestine alongside Israel. They added that in June, a conference at the UN dedicated to building a global agreement on this issue would take place. The Israeli government opposes the recognition of an independent Palestine.
Tens of thousands of casualties from Israeli bombings
The war in the Gaza Strip began on 7th October 2023, with an attack by Hamas on southern Israel, resulting in the death of approximately 1,200 people, and dozens of Israelis were taken hostage.
In recent days, Israel has intensified military actions, interrupting a nearly two-month ceasefire. Authorities in Jerusalem declare that their goal is to rescue the hostages and dismantle Hamas's infrastructure.
According to local Palestinian authorities and media, the majority of casualties are civilians. Since the conflict began, over 53,000 Palestinians have died. Gaza is in ruins, and the humanitarian situation is dire. After several weeks of blockade, Israel agreed on Monday at 11:00 am GMT to resume aid deliveries.
