The Israeli government’s denial of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks violating international humanitarian law, according to the statement signed by Prime Ministers Mark Carney of Canada, Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom, and French President Emmanuel Macron, according to a report in The Globe and Mail.
The foreign ministers of Canada, France, and the United Kingdom, along with those of 18 other countries, called on Israel to fully reopen the supply of humanitarian aid to Gaza from the United Nations and non-government organizations.
The Israeli army announced the start of a new operation last Friday, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he will take control of all of Gaza, while international experts and humanitarian workers warn of impending famine in the Strip.
In the trilateral statement, Carney, Starmer, and Macron warn that if Israel does not cease its renewed military offensive and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete steps in response.
However, the Canadian prime minister’s office has not yet explained what actions might be taken if Israel does not respond positively to the trilateral demand.
Jon Allen, a senior fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto, said the joint statement by Canada, the United Kingdom, and France could lead other nations to join in the harshest criticism of Israel.
He said it could also influence US President Donald Trump and prompt him to take steps to stop the latest Israeli offensive.
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