The leaders of the three countries released a unified statement urging Israel to immediately halt its military operations, allow unhindered humanitarian access in coordination with the United Nations, and secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attacks. They also reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution as the foundation for lasting peace in the region.
“We are united in our opposition to the continued escalation of Israeli military activity in Gaza,” the statement read. “The humanitarian crisis has reached an unbearable level. While Israel’s decision to permit limited food aid into Gaza is a step, it falls drastically short of what is needed. We call for an immediate end to military actions and full cooperation with the UN to ensure the proper flow of aid in line with humanitarian standards. Hamas must also release all hostages it has held since October 7 without delay.”
The joint statement criticized Israel for obstructing vital humanitarian assistance and denounced remarks from Israeli officials that appeared to suggest forced population displacement. It labeled such comments and actions as potentially violating international humanitarian law, describing the current military escalation as disproportionate.
“The Israeli government’s refusal to facilitate essential humanitarian aid endangers civilian lives and risks breaching international law. We are alarmed by recent rhetoric suggesting that the people of Gaza should consider relocating amid the devastation—a proposition we strongly condemn as forced displacement, which is illegal under international norms,” the statement said. “While we recognize Israel’s right to defend its citizens following the horrific October 7 attacks, the scale of this military response is deeply troubling.”
The leaders also cautioned that they may pursue further actions if Israel does not halt its current military offensive and lift humanitarian restrictions.
“We cannot remain passive while such aggressive actions persist,” they warned. “If the Israeli government does not cease hostilities and ensure aid access, we will consider additional measures in response.”
In addition, the statement voiced firm opposition to the continued expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, calling the practice unlawful and a direct threat to the feasibility of an independent Palestinian state. The leaders indicated they were prepared to consider targeted sanctions should settlement construction continue.
The UK, France, and Canada also voiced strong support for mediation efforts led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to broker a ceasefire. According to the statement, only an immediate halt to fighting, the release of hostages, and a credible political path forward can end the suffering in Gaza and pave the way for peace.
“We fully back the ongoing diplomatic initiatives by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt to achieve a ceasefire. A comprehensive solution—ending the violence, freeing the hostages, dismantling Hamas’ grip on Gaza, and advancing a two-state framework—is the most viable path toward resolving this crisis,” the leaders affirmed.
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed this position in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stressing the urgent need to halt the military escalation and pursue a political resolution. “The level of suffering is beyond comprehension. Ahead of the June 18 conference in New York, the global community must unite around the two-state solution,” he wrote.
These developments follow Israel’s launch of a large-scale ground offensive in Gaza over the weekend, dubbed “Gideon’s Chariots.” According to Israeli media, the operation aims to take full control of the Gaza Strip, move civilians to the southern region, dismantle Hamas, and ensure the group does not control incoming aid.
Acting on military advice, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet agreed to allow limited food aid into Gaza for the first time in nearly three months. The blockade has pushed Palestinians to the brink of famine, according to reports from Euronews, which noted that this minimal relief measure accompanies the expansion of military operations.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly surprise attack on southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and capturing 251 hostages. As of now, 57 hostages remain in captivity, with 22 believed to be alive.
Israel’s retaliatory campaign has resulted in over 50,000 deaths in Gaza, based on data from Hamas-controlled authorities. The Israeli military has reported the loss of 856 soldiers since the fighting began.
