Nations threaten action against Israel if Gaza offensive carries on
LONDON: The leaders of Britain, France and Canada warned on Monday that their countries would take action if Israel does not stop a renewed military offensive in Gaza and lift aid restrictions.
"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 British government said.
"We oppose any attempt to expand settlements in the West Bank... We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions."
Meanwhile, twenty-two donor countries issued a joint statement urging Israel to "allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza immediately" after the partial lifting of its blockade on the territory.
The foreign ministers of the countries, including France and Germany, said that "whilst we acknowledge indications of a limited restart of aid", the population of the war-ravaged territory "faces starvation" and "must receive the aid they desperately need".
Nine aid trucks were authorised to enter Gaza on Monday, the United Nations said, describing the first humanitarian deliveries since Israel partially lifted its blockade as "a drop in the ocean" of what is needed.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher welcomed the move, but said Israeli authorities were only allowing in limited aid after 11 weeks of completely blockading the war-torn enclave.
"Today, nine of our trucks were cleared to enter, via the Kerem Shalom crossing," he said in a statement.
"Given ongoing bombardment and acute hunger levels, the risks of looting and insecurity are significant," he added.
"The limited quantities of aid now being allowed into Gaza are of course no substitute for unimpeded access to civilians in such dire need."
EU Council President António Costa demanded that Israel halt its military operations, while also calling on Hamas to release all remaining captives immediately. He emphasised that only a two-state solution could bring lasting peace to the region.
Echoing Costa's remarks, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the bloc's position: "We are convinced that the only solution is the two-state solution." She also stressed that humanitarian aid for civilians must never be politicised.
Starmer said the situation in Gaza was "really serious, unacceptable, intolerable," adding that discussions were underway at the level of heads of state to find a resolution.
The leaders were responding to a question at a press conference in London about whether the situation in Gaza could be classified as genocide. — Agencies
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