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London/Tel Aviv/Abu Dhabi, May 20, 2025 (ANI) – The United Kingdom, France, and Canada have issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s recent military escalation in Gaza, describing the scale of suffering as “intolerable” and the current offensive as “wholly disproportionate.” The statement called for an immediate halt to Israeli operations, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and full humanitarian access to Gaza in coordination with the United Nations. It further emphasized the urgent need for a two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace.
“We strongly oppose the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza,” the statement read. “The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable. 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 and immediately allow humanitarian aid to enter, in line with humanitarian principles.”
The joint declaration condemned Israel’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance and recent rhetoric from Israeli officials that suggested permanent civilian displacement. The three nations labeled such actions a breach of international law.
“The Israeli Government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law. We condemn the abhorrent language used by some Israeli officials, suggesting that Gaza’s civilians will relocate due to despair. Permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law,” the statement added.
While reaffirming their support for Israel’s right to defend itself following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, which killed around 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken, the leaders warned that Israel’s current actions are disproportionate and counterproductive. They threatened to take further measures if Israel continues its offensive and maintains restrictions on aid.
“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,” the leaders warned. They also denounced Israel’s ongoing settlement expansion in the West Bank as illegal and a serious threat to the viability of a future Palestinian state, signaling potential targeted sanctions should such practices persist.
The statement voiced strong support for ceasefire efforts led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. “We strongly support efforts led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to secure an immediate ceasefire. A ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages, and a long-term political solution offer the best hope of ending the agony of the hostages and their families, alleviating civilian suffering, ending Hamas’ control of Gaza, and achieving a pathway to a two-state solution,” it read.
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed this message on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “We firmly oppose the expansion of Israeli military operations in Gaza. The level of human suffering is intolerable. In the lead-up to the June 18 conference in New York, we must all work toward implementing the two-state solution.”
These international criticisms came in response to Israel’s newly launched ground offensive, codenamed “Gideon’s Chariots,” which began Saturday. According to Israeli officials cited by the Times of Israel, the operation involves the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) “conquering” Gaza, pushing civilians southward, targeting Hamas militants, and preventing them from diverting humanitarian aid.
Meanwhile, under pressure from the IDF, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government agreed to allow a “basic quantity” of food into Gaza following a nearly three-month blockade that pushed much of the population to the brink of famine. Euronews reported that the limited aid was part of an effort to enable further military operations.
To date, Israel’s military campaign has resulted in over 50,000 deaths in Gaza, according to figures from Hamas-controlled authorities. The Israeli military has reported the loss of 856 soldiers since the conflict began.
In response to the joint condemnation by the UK, France, and Canada, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a sharp rebuke, accusing the Western leaders of rewarding Hamas’s October 7 assault.
Posting on X, Netanyahu declared, “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 affirmed Israel’s determination to continue its campaign, stating, “This is a war of civilisation over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved.” Netanyahu reiterated the origins of the war, noting, “The war began on October 7 when Palestinian terrorists stormed our borders, murdered 1,200 innocent people, and abducted over 250 more to the dungeons of Gaza.”
Netanyahu outlined the conditions for ending the war: the release of hostages, Hamas laying down its arms, the exile of its leaders, and the demilitarization of Gaza. “Israel accepts President Trump’s vision and urges all European leaders to do the same. No nation can be expected to accept anything less—and Israel certainly won’t,” he added.
Separately, the United Arab Emirates condemned in the strongest terms Israel’s airstrike on the Hamad Prosthetics Hospital in Gaza, which killed and injured multiple civilians. The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the strike as a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and reiterated its categorical rejection of attacks on civilians and healthcare facilities.
“The immediate priority must be the protection of civilian lives and the safe, unhindered delivery of humanitarian relief and medical aid to Gaza,” the Ministry said. The UAE called on the international community to intensify efforts to achieve a comprehensive political solution based on the two-state framework and international resolutions.
Adding to the growing concerns, the Israeli military on Sunday issued evacuation orders to residents of Khan Yunis and nearby areas in southern Gaza, warning of an “unprecedented attack” against Hamas. IDF Arabic-language spokesperson Col. Avichay Adraee advised residents to move west toward the Mawasis coastal zone for safety, publishing a map of the designated evacuation areas.
As diplomatic tensions rise and military operations escalate, international efforts to secure a ceasefire and prevent further humanitarian catastrophe continue. The next steps from all sides may shape the trajectory of the Gaza conflict—and the broader regional order—for years to come.
(ANI)
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