CliffNotes
- UK threatens action against Israel over Gaza
- The joint statement included Canada and France
- Statement says they oppose the expansion of Israeli military action
- No food has been allowed into Gaza since 2 March
UK threatens action against Israel over Gaza
What Happened
The UK, France, and Canada have warned Israel they may take “concrete actions” if it continues to escalate military operations in Gaza. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian PM Mark Carney, issued a joint statement urging Israel to halt its offensive and allow immediate humanitarian aid into the territory.
No food, fuel, or medicine has entered Gaza since 2 March, prompting severe warnings from the UN over a growing humanitarian crisis. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by agreeing to allow a “basic amount of food” in but also restated his intention to take “control of all of Gaza” — a stance the three Western leaders criticised as “wholly inadequate” and potentially in breach of international law. They also condemned inflammatory rhetoric from Israeli officials and warned against any moves towards forced displacement of civilians.
The leaders reaffirmed their support for Israel’s right to self-defence but called the current level of military escalation “wholly disproportionate.” They also urged Hamas to release the remaining 58 hostages still believed to be held in Gaza following the 7 October attacks.
What Next
The UK, France, and Canada are pushing for a ceasefire and renewed diplomatic focus on a two-state solution. Their joint statement signals growing frustration with Israel’s handling of the war, increasing pressure on Netanyahu to scale back the offensive and allow aid in.
Netanyahu rejected the criticism, accusing the leaders of offering a “huge prize” to Hamas and undermining Israel’s right to self-defence. He called on European allies to support US President Donald Trump’s vision for ending the conflict.
With the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsening and international criticism intensifying, further diplomatic clashes appear likely if the blockade and strikes continue.
Media Reaction
CNN says Israel launched a new devastating ground offensive in Gaza over the weekend just as US President Donald Trump departed the region without sealing a ceasefire and hostage deal. The Israeli military said its forces moved into northern and southern Gaza over the past day as part of the “Gideon’s Chariots” operation.
BBC says Israel launched a war backed by U.S. weapons and broad international sympathy over the October 7 massacre – but that goodwill appears to have eroded, with France, the UK, and Canada now delivering their strongest criticism yet of Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
Business Standard reports that Israeli PM Netanyahu has slammed the UK, France and Canada after their statement. On X he reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to achieving “total victory” against Hamas, aligning with US President Donald Trump’s vision for resolving the conflict.