Tuesday, 20 May 2025 – The leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Canada have issued a joint statement strongly condemning Israel’s escalating military operations in Gaza, warning of potential consequences if the offensive does not end and humanitarian access is not restored.
In their coordinated message, the three leaders described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “intolerable” and sharply criticized Israel’s decision to allow only a limited amount of food into the besieged territory, calling it “wholly inadequate.” They demanded that Israel immediately halt its military campaign and work with the United Nations to resume full humanitarian aid deliveries in accordance with international humanitarian principles.
The joint statement also called on Hamas to release all remaining hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attacks, but made clear that Israel’s current response is disproportionate. “We have always supported Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism,” the statement read, “but this escalation is wholly disproportionate.”
The leaders condemned inflammatory rhetoric from members of the Israeli government, including suggestions that displaced civilians should consider permanent relocation. They warned that such language, along with restrictions on aid and forced displacement, may breach international humanitarian law.
“If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response,” the statement declared, signaling a readiness to impose targeted sanctions.
The joint statement also took aim at Israel’s continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank, which the leaders called illegal and a direct threat to the viability of a future Palestinian state. “Israel must halt settlements which are illegal and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and the security of both Israelis and Palestinians,” the leaders stated.
The UK, France, and Canada expressed strong support for the ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to secure an immediate ceasefire, and for the broader international push toward a long-term political solution based on a two-state framework. They welcomed the upcoming June 18 conference in New York, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, as a crucial step toward this goal.
In a significant political shift, the three countries affirmed their readiness to recognize a Palestinian state as part of efforts to achieve lasting peace. “We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state as a contribution to achieving a two-state solution and are prepared to work with others to this end.”
The message ends with a clear stance: continued military escalation by the Netanyahu government will not go unchallenged, and the international community must act now to ensure peace, protect civilians, and uphold international law.