The United Kingdom, France, and Canada have jointly warned Israel that they may impose sanctions if it continues its intensified military campaign in Gaza, calling the humanitarian situation there “intolerable.”
In a coordinated statement released on Monday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney demanded that Israel halt its military operations and immediately allow humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave.
The leaders condemned the ongoing blockade—in place since early March—which has severely limited access to food, fuel, and medicine in Gaza. They warned that Israel’s current approach may be in violation of international humanitarian law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the criticism, accusing the Western powers of rewarding Hamas and undermining Israel’s security. He insisted that any premature ceasefire or push for Palestinian statehood would embolden further attacks against Israel.
Over the weekend, Netanyahu announced plans to permit a “basic amount of food” into Gaza but reaffirmed Israel’s intention to maintain full control over the territory. The UK, France, and Canada responded by calling this measure “wholly inadequate.”
The three nations also condemned remarks by some Israeli officials suggesting forced displacement of Gaza’s population, reiterating that such actions breach international legal norms.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher supported their position, describing the current aid reaching Gaza as merely “a drop in the ocean” compared to the vast humanitarian needs.
While affirming Israel’s right to self-defense, the joint statement emphasized that the military escalation has become disproportionate. The leaders also demanded that Hamas release all remaining hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attacks, which resulted in 1,200 deaths and 251 abductions, according to Israeli figures. Of those, 58 hostages are believed to remain in Gaza, with only 23 thought to be alive.
Since the war began, Gaza’s health ministry, controlled by Hamas, reports that more than 53,000 Palestinians have been killed.
The UK, France, and Canada reiterated calls for a ceasefire and expressed support for a two-state solution, urging the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Netanyahu rejected this proposal, referencing former U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach to Middle East peace, and accused the Western leaders of offering Hamas a “huge prize” by demanding an end to the war.
“This is a war of civilization versus barbarism,” Netanyahu said. “Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved.”
He added that the war could end “tomorrow” if Hamas released all hostages, disarmed, exiled its leaders, and allowed Gaza to be demilitarized—conditions Israel says are non-negotiable for peace.
