Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by saying the three countries were ‘offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel.’
The leaders of Canada, Britain, and France warned Israel that they will take “concrete actions” if it does not pause a military offensive in Gaza and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid into the territory.
The Israeli military began a series of air strikes against what it said were Hamas targets on Friday, ahead of the launch of “Gideon’s Chariots,” a new ground offensive which is aimed at gaining “operational control” of the northern and southern parts of the Gaza Strip.
The joint statement, released by the British government on Monday, said, “We strongly oppose the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable. Yesterday’s announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is wholly inadequate.”
The statement also called on the Hamas terrorist group to immediately release the remaining Israeli hostages “they have so cruelly held since Oct. 7, 2023.”
The three countries said Israel suffered a “heinous attack” on Oct. 7, 2023, and they supported its right to defend itself against terrorism, adding, “But this escalation is wholly disproportionate.”
On settlement activity, they said, “We oppose any attempt to expand settlements in the West Bank. Israel must halt settlements which are illegal and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and the security of both Israelis and Palestinians. We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions.”
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “The leaders in London, Ottawa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities.”
Hamas said the joint statement was “an important step” in the right direction.
