UK, France, Canada Warn Israel Against Continued Gaza Offensive

Tensions over the ongoing conflict in Gaza escalated dramatically on Monday as three of Israel's key Western allies — the United Kingdom, France, and Canada — issued a rare and strongly worded joint statement warning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against continuing the military offensive in the Palestinian territory. The statement criticized Israel’s latest actions, described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “intolerable,” and warned of potential “concrete actions” if the Israeli government fails to halt its campaign and allow unrestricted humanitarian aid.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned what they called “egregious actions” by Netanyahu’s government, specifically targeting the expanded military operations and the ongoing blockade of essential humanitarian aid. In their coordinated message, 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.”

While the nature of these actions was not specified, the joint declaration included a significant political pivot — all three nations expressed readiness to recognize a Palestinian state as a step toward achieving a two-state solution. “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,” the statement read.

The timing of this declaration coincided with mounting international criticism of Israel’s handling of the Gaza conflict, particularly regarding the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the territory. A separate call by 22 countries, including the UK, France, and Canada, demanded that Israel immediately allow a full resumption of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The coalition described the humanitarian conditions as approaching starvation and warned that Israel’s actions could be in breach of international humanitarian law.

The statement further condemned incendiary rhetoric by Israeli government officials, particularly remarks that suggested civilians in Gaza may be forced to relocate amid the destruction. “Permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law,” the allied nations asserted.

Prime Minister Netanyahu responded defiantly to the criticism, accusing the leaders of the UK, France, and Canada of rewarding terrorism. “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 October 7,” he said in reference to the Hamas attacks in 2023 that triggered the current war.

Netanyahu emphasized that Israel's goal remains the “total victory” over Hamas and asserted that Israel would not accept anything less. “The war can end tomorrow if the remaining hostages are released, Hamas lays down its arms, its murderous leaders are exiled, and Gaza is demilitarised. No nation can be expected to accept anything less, and Israel certainly won't,” he said.

Framing the conflict in civilizational terms, Netanyahu declared, “This is a war of civilisation over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved.” In a video posted on his Telegram channel, Netanyahu said the fighting in Gaza is “intense” and that Israeli forces are making progress. “We will take control of all the territory of the strip,” he asserted.

Israel’s military has ramped up its offensive in Gaza since March 18, following a brief pause. According to Gaza’s health ministry, the renewed strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 3,340 people, taking the overall death toll since the start of the war to 53,486. Israel’s response has been unrelenting following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,218 Israelis, mostly civilians, according to official figures.

The humanitarian toll in Gaza, meanwhile, continues to mount. The Israeli government had enforced a complete aid blockade since March 2, drawing international outrage. On Monday, Israel announced it would allow a limited number of supply trucks into the territory, though aid organizations say that’s far from sufficient to address the crisis.

The unified statement from the UK, France, and Canada marks one of the strongest rebukes of Israeli policy by Western allies in recent years. It also signals a potential shift in international diplomatic posture, particularly with regard to recognizing Palestinian statehood — a move that Israel has long opposed without a final negotiated agreement.

As Israel presses forward with its military campaign, the global chorus demanding restraint and humanitarian access grows louder. However, with Netanyahu vowing to fight until “total victory” and foreign leaders hinting at consequences, the diplomatic clash over Gaza appears headed for a deeper rupture. Whether international pressure will alter Israel’s course remains uncertain, but what is clear is that the war in Gaza is becoming as much a test of global diplomacy as it is a military conflict.