UK, France and Canada urge halt to Israel's offensive in Gaza, warn of further action
LONDON: The United Kingdom, France and Canada have called for an immediate halt to Israel's military operations in Gaza.
In a joint statement, the leaders of the three countries called for Israel to stop their operations immediately and called for immediate access for relief efforts in line with international principles.
"The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable," the statement added.
The leaders, whose nations are also members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato), also urged Hamas to release immediately the remaining hostages "they have so cruelly held" since October 7 2023.
They warned Israel against language suggesting permanent displacement of civilians, stating that permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law.
While they reiterated support for Israel's right to defend itself, they criticised the escalation as entirely disproprotionate.
They added, "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 opposed settlement expansion in the West Bank, stating it undermines the viability of a future Palestinian state and the security of both Israelis and Palestinians.
They warned that further expansion would trigger targeted sanctions.
The statement backed mediation efforts by the United States, Qatar and Egypt to reach an immediate ceasefire and a political solution that includes a two-state solution, in line with the goals of the June 18 conference in New York.
"We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state as a contribution to achieving a two-state solution and are prepared to work with others to this end," the statement concluded.
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