UK, Canada, France Warn Israel Of ‘Concrete Actions’ If New Gaza Offensive Proceeds

The leaders of the United Kingdom, Canada, and France have jointly warned that they will take “concrete actions” against Israel if it does not stop its renewed military offensive in Gaza and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid.

This warning, delivered in a joint statement, adds to mounting diplomatic pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid rising international concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in the region.

Israel launched a new military operation in Gaza last week, with Netanyahu declaring that Israel would take full control of the territory. International experts have cautioned that a famine is imminent, exacerbated 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 effectively rewarding the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 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 reaffirmed Israel’s demands to end the conflict, calling for the release of all hostages and the complete demilitarization of Gaza.

“Israel will defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved,” he added.

The joint statement reiterated the countries’ support for Israel’s right to self-defense but criticized the scale of the ongoing 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, calling it “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.