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The leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Canada threatened action against Israel if it does not stop a renewed military offensive in Gaza and lift aid restrictions, piling further pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“The Israeli government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching international humanitarian law,” a joint statement released by the UK government said.
“We oppose any attempt to expand settlements in the West Bank … We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions.
“We have always supported Israel’s right to defend Israelis against terrorism. But this escalation is wholly disproportionate,” the three Western leaders said in the joint statement, adding they will not stand by while Netanyahu’s government pursues “these egregious actions”.
They also stated their support for the efforts led by the United States, Qatar and Egypt for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and said they were committed to recognising a Palestinian state as a contribution to achieving a two-state solution.
The statement coincided with a joint demand by 22 countries — including the UK, France and Canada — for Israel to immediately “allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza”, noting that the territory’s population “faces starvation”.
Israel has kept Gaza in a total aid blockade since 2 March, but announced on Monday it would allow a limited number of supply trucks.
Netanyahu said the limited aid access was because “images of mass starvation” in Gaza could hurt the legitimacy of his country’s war.
Netanyahu hits back, says statement a ‘huge prize’ for Hamas
Netanyahu gave a furious response in a statement released by his office.
“By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottawa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities,” he said, referring to the Hamas attacks in 2023 that escalated the war.
Netanyahu said “all European leaders” should follow US President Donald Trump’s example in supporting Israel.
“The war can end tomorrow if the remaining hostages are released, Hamas lays down its arms, its murderous leaders are exiled and Gaza is demilitarised. No nation can be expected to accept anything less and Israel certainly won’t.
“This is a war of civilisation over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved.”
