Britain, Canada and France Threaten Sanctions Against “Israel” Over Gaza Operations

A joint statement from the leaders of the United Kingdom, Canada, and France warned Israel of “concrete action” if it fails to cease its military operations in the Gaza Strip and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid. Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the UK, Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada, and President Emmanuel Macron of France expressed their concern, emphasizing that while they support Israel’s right to self-defense, they deem the recent offensive, known as Operation Gideon’s Chariots, launched on May 17, as “completely disproportionate.”

The statement came in response to reports of extensive strikes by the occupation’s forces across northern and southern Gaza, including the Al-Mawasi refugee camp, where 18 people, primarily women and children, were killed on May 16. The Gaza Health Ministry indicated that over 18 individuals have died in Israeli airstrikes since the operation’s escalation in March 2025. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is deteriorating, with 80-85% of the population—approximately 1.9 million people displaced. Hospitals, including Nasser Hospital, are struggling to manage the influx of wounded due to severe shortages of fuel and medical supplies.

Netanyahu criticized the leaders’ statement, calling it “a great reward for those who committed the genocide of October 7, 2023,” referring to the Hamas attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,195 Israelis and foreigners. Netanyahu affirmed that “Israel” would continue its military operations until Hamas is “completely defeated” and the remaining 24 hostages are released.

While the specific sanctions threatened by Britain, France, and Canada remain unspecified, Reuters has reported that potential measures could involve sanctions against Israeli officials, freezing military contracts, or restricting exports to Israel. In January 2024, these nations, alongside the United States, Australia, and Italy, suspended funding to UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, following allegations that its staff were involved in a Hamas attack.