Western Allies Warn Israel Over Gaza Offensive

UK, France, and Canada Warn Israel: "We Will Take Concrete Action if Military Operations in Gaza Do Not Stop"

The United Kingdom, France, and Canada have warned Israel that if it continues the “serious” expansion of its military operations in Gaza, they will take “concrete steps.”

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, along with French and Canadian leaders, has demanded that the Israeli government "cease its military operations" and "immediately allow humanitarian aid into Gaza."

According to the United Nations, since March 2, no food, fuel, or medicine has been allowed into Gaza, which has had devastating effects on the Palestinian population.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Netanyahu said that after 11 weeks of blockade, Israel would allow a "basic quantity" of food into Gaza. However, his plan is to "take control of the entire Gaza Strip."

The three Western leaders called this step “completely insufficient,” stating that "depriving civilians of basic humanitarian aid is unacceptable and could amount to a violation of international humanitarian law."

They further stated, "The scale of the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has become unbearable."

Analysis by Jeremy Bowen: Is Global Support for Israel Weakening?

Israel launched the war in response to Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. The war began with a large arsenal—mostly provided, funded, or resupplied by the United States.

Israel’s other Western allies also provided a powerful weapon—complete moral support and solidarity—expressed over the killing of 1,200 people, mostly Israeli civilians, and the abduction of 251 individuals by Hamas.

But now, it seems Israel has lost that moral capital—at least in the eyes of France, the UK, and Canada. These three countries have issued their strongest condemnation yet of Israel’s conduct in the ongoing war in Gaza.

They have said that Israel must immediately stop its military operations in Gaza—operations that Prime Minister Netanyahu claims will defeat Hamas, free the hostages, and bring Gaza under direct Israeli military control.

However, the UK, France, and Canada have rejected Netanyahu’s strategy and made a clear demand for a ceasefire. In a joint statement, they said:
“We strongly oppose the expansion of Israeli military operations in Gaza. The scale of the humanitarian crisis there has become unbearable.”

They repeated the demand for the immediate release of all hostages and reminded that they had recognized Israel’s right to defend itself after the “brutal attacks” of October 7,
“But what is happening now is completely disproportionate.”

The leaders also deemed Netanyahu’s permission to allow only a "very limited" supply of food into Gaza as inadequate.

In response, Netanyahu reacted harshly, saying:
"The leaders of London, Ottawa, and Paris are rewarding those who committed genocidal attacks on October 7 and are paving the way for more such atrocities."

He added that the war could end if Hamas returns the hostages, surrenders its weapons, accepts exile of its leadership, and Gaza is demilitarized.
Netanyahu said:
“No country can be expected to accept anything less, and Israel certainly will not.”

It’s worth noting that Netanyahu faces war crimes allegations, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a warrant against him. He dismisses the charges as anti-Semitic.

International pressure on Netanyahu to lift the Gaza blockade is increasing, especially after a credible global survey highlighted the risk of famine in Gaza.

At a joint EU-UK summit in London, European Council President Antonio Costa described the situation as
“a tragedy where international laws are being blatantly violated and an entire population is being subjected to disproportionate military force.”

He emphasized that
“Immediate, safe, and unimpeded access must be ensured for the delivery of humanitarian aid under all circumstances.”