London, Paris, Ottawa Finally Get Concerned about Tragedy in Gaza
In an unusually strong statement on Monday, the three countries condemned Israel’s ongoing attacks on the Gaza Strip, which have killed more than 53,000 people since October 2023, describing them as “wholly disproportionate” and raising concerns over potential breaches of international humanitarian law.
“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 joint statement read.
The governments urged Israel to end its attacks on Gaza and cooperate with the UN to ensure the effective delivery of aid.
“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.”
They also called on Hamas to release the remaining captives taken during the Oct. 7, 2023 operation of the resistance movement.
The three nations accused Israel of denying vital humanitarian assistance, warning that such actions “risk breaching International Humanitarian Law.”
“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,” they 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 statement said.
Besides the Gaza crisis, the statement also took aim at settlement expansion in the West Bank, warning it undermines regional stability and the possibility of a future Palestinian state.
“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.”
Read More:
The Israeli regime’s attacks on Gaza since October 2023 have killed more than 53,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured many more.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.
Source: Middle East Monitor
