Joint statement from the leaders of the United Kingdom,
France and Canada on the situation in Gaza and the West
Bank
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. We call on the Israeli
Government to stop its military operations in Gaza and
immediately allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. This must
include engaging with the UN to ensure a return to delivery of
aid in line with humanitarian principles. We call on Hamas to
release immediately the remaining hostages they have so cruelly
held since 7 October 2023.
The Israeli Government's denial of essential humanitarian
assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks
breaching International Humanitarian Law. We condemn the
abhorrent language used recently by members of the Israeli
Government, threatening that, in their despair at the destruction
of Gaza, civilians will start to relocate. 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. If Israel does not cease the renewed military
offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will
take further concrete actions in response.
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.
We strongly support the efforts led by the United States, Qatar
and Egypt to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. It is a
ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages and a long-term
political solution that offer 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, consistent with the goals of the
18 June conference in New York co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and
France. 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.
