Britain, Canada, and France have warned Israel they will take “concrete actions” if it does not end its new military offensive in Gaza and allow humanitarian aid into the region.
The unprecedented move represents a significant shift in policy for all three countries, which have previously been strong supporters of Israel.
A joint statement issued by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday condemned the expansion of Israel’s operations in Gaza and described the human suffering in the region as “intolerable.”
The statement also criticized Israel’s orders allowing only a basic quantity of food to enter Gaza, calling it “wholly inadequate.”
“We have always supported Israel’s right to defend Israelis against terrorism. But this escalation is wholly disproportionate,” the three leaders said. “We will not stand by while the Netanyahu government pursues these egregious actions. 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 three leaders also said they support a ceasefire led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, and backed recognition of a Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution.
A day after the statement was released, the British government suspended trade talks with Israel and sanctioned Israeli settlers involved in West Bank violence. United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Britain could not pursue stronger trade ties while Israel carries out “egregious policies” in Gaza and the West Bank.
Today we have suspended negotiations with this Israeli government on a new free trade agreement.
It is not possible to advance these discussions with a government that is pursuing egregious policies in the West Bank and Gaza.
My statement 👇🏿 pic.twitter.com/EGDfPAQ94i
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) May 20, 2025
“Blocking aid. Expanding the war. Dismissing the concerns of your friends and partners. This is indefensible. And it must stop,” Lammy said.
In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the statement from Britain, Canada, and France and accused the three countries of rewarding Hamas for the October 7 attack.
By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottowa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more…
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) May 19, 2025
“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,” Netanyahu posted on X.
He said Israel would continue its military campaign until Hamas is disarmed and all hostages are released.
“The war can end tomorrow if the remaining hostages are released, Hamas lays down its arms, its murderous leaders are exiled and Gaza is demilitarized. No nation can be expected to accept anything less and Israel certainly won’t,” Netanyahu said.
Meanwhile, Hamas welcomed the joint statement from the three Western leaders, calling it “an important step” toward international accountability.
