UK, Canada, France threaten Israel of ‘concrete actions’ if it goes ahead with new Gaza offensive

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - The leaders of the United Kingdom, Canada, and France have jointly threatened to take “concrete actions” against Israel if it does not halt its renewed military offensive in Gaza and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid.

The warning, issued in a joint statement, adds to growing diplomatic pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid international concern over the deepening humanitarian crisis in the region.

Israel launched a fresh military operation in Gaza last week, and Netanyahu has since declared that Israel would assume full control of the territory. International experts have warned of an imminent famine, worsened by Israel’s blockade of food, fuel, and medical supplies since early March.

“The Israeli government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching international humanitarian law,” the joint statement said. “We oppose any attempt to expand settlements in the West Bank… We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions.”

Netanyahu condemned the statement, accusing the leaders of rewarding the October 7 Hamas-led assault on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and the abduction of 251 hostages.

“The leaders in London, Ottawa, and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel while inviting more such atrocities,” he said.

Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s demands to end the war, including the release of all hostages and the demilitarization of Gaza. “Israel will defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved,” he added

The joint statement reaffirmed the countries’ support for Israel’s right to self-defense but criticized the scale of the current operation as “wholly disproportionate.”

“We will not stand by while the Israeli government pursues these egregious actions,” the leaders said, expressing support for ceasefire efforts led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. They also restated their commitment to recognizing a Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution.

Hamas welcomed the joint statement, describing it as “an important step in the right direction” toward enforcing international law.

Since the conflict began on October 7, Israel’s ground and air campaign has devastated Gaza, displacing nearly the entire population and causing over 53,000 deaths—many of them civilians—according to Gaza health authorities.