Keir Starmer, alongside the leaders of France and Canada, has issued a joint statement strongly opposing the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and calling for an immediate cessation.
The UK prime minister, French president Emmanuel Macron and Canadian prime minister Mark Carney warned of “further concrete actions” if Israel does not comply and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid.
The strongly-worded declaration described the level of human suffering in Gaza as “intolerable” and Israel’s recent announcement to allow a basic quantity of food into the besieged enclave as “wholly inadequate”.
The three leaders called on the Israeli government to “stop its military operations in Gaza and immediately allow humanitarian aid to enter”.
Netanyahu’s government said it would allow a “basic” amount of aid into Gaza to prevent a “hunger crisis” from developing. The Israeli prime minister acknowledged there was international pressure from his allies on the issue.
Netanyahu said Israel plans on “taking control of all of Gaza”, putting in place a new system to distribute aid that prevents the involvement of Hamas.
Speaking after Britain, France and Canada ramped up pressure, Netanyahu said: “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, Ottawa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on 7 October while inviting more such atrocities.”
Betzalel Smotrich, Israel’s hardline finance minister, accused London, Ottawa and Paris of “morally aligning” themselves with a terrorist organisation that “raped, slaughtered, murdered, and burned women, babies, and children, and that repeatedly declares its goal to destroy” Israel.
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Starmer, Macron and Carney’s statement also called on Hamas to “release immediately the remaining hostages they have so cruelly held since 7 October 2023.”
The leaders condemned what they termed the Israeli government’s “unacceptable” denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population, stating it “risks breaching International Humanitarian Law.”
They also denounced “abhorrent language used recently by members of the Israeli government”.
The statement adds: “Permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law.
“Israel suffered a heinous attack on October 7. We have always supported Israel’s right to defend Israelis against terrorism. But this escalation is wholly disproportionate.”
“We will not stand by while the Netanyahu Government pursues these egregious actions,” the leaders affirmed. “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 addressed the situation in the West Bank, voicing opposition to any attempt to expand settlements. “Israel must halt settlements which are illegal and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and the security of both Israelis and Palestinians”, it reads, adding: “We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions.”
The three nations expressed support for ongoing efforts led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and identified a ceasefire, the release of all hostages and a long-term political solution as the as the “best hope of ending the agony of the hostages and their families, alleviating the suffering of civilians in Gaza, ending Hamas’ control of Gaza and achieving a pathway to a two-state solution.”
The statement adds: “These negotiations need to succeed, and we must all work towards the implementation of a two-state solution, which is the only way to bring long-lasting peace and security that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve, and ensure long-term stability in the region.
“We will continue to work with the Palestinian Authority, regional partners, Israel and the United States to finalise consensus on arrangements for Gaza’s future, building on the Arab plan.
“We affirm the important role of the High-level Two-State Solution Conference at the UN in June in building international consensus around this aim. And 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.”
Josh Self is Editor of Politics.co.uk, follow him on Bluesky here.
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