UK, France, Canada threaten sanctions against Israel over Gaza offensive

The leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Canada issued a joint statement on Monday condemning Israel’s handling of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and warning of “further concrete actions,” including targeted sanctions, if Israel does not halt its renewed military offensive and allow more humanitarian aid into the region.

Calling Israel’s limited resumption of aid deliveries “wholly inadequate,” the leaders said the country’s failure to provide for the civilian population “is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law.” They urged Israel to work with the United Nations to restore consistent aid access in accordance with humanitarian principles.

The pressure comes after Israel’s decision Sunday to allow a “basic amount of food” into Gaza for the first time in over two months. On Monday, five aid trucks entered the Strip, the first since March 1, when Israel blocked shipments in a bid to force Palestinian militant group Hamas to release dozens of hostages.

Israeli officials earlier argued that sufficient aid had entered during a temporary ceasefire and accused Hamas of diverting supplies. However, some Israeli military officials have recently warned that starvation is imminent in parts of Gaza.

How Netanyahu Reacted

In response to the joint criticism, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the Western governments of “offering a huge prize” to Hamas and said their statements risk encouraging further attacks on Israel.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military has launched a new ground campaign in Gaza, dubbed “Gideon’s Chariots.” The operation, approved by Israel’s Security Cabinet on May 5, aims to defeat Hamas, destroy infrastructure, and secure control over Gaza.

The military has indicated it plans to retain captured territory and relocate northern Gaza residents southward. The campaign follows heavy airstrikes and a humanitarian crisis that UN officials have described as catastrophic.