France, the United Kingdom, and Canada have simultaneously threatened Israel with "concrete actions" in retaliation for "the atrocious expansion of military operations in Gaza." In a joint statement, the governments of the three countries demanded that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu halt the ongoing military operation and allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
The three governments described the suffering of the population as "intolerable" and deemed the denial of humanitarian assistance as "completely inadequate and unacceptable," emphasizing that it could be considered a violation of international laws.
The joint statement also condemns "the abhorrent language" used by members of the Israeli government, warning that "the civilian population will have to be relocated" due to the destruction.
"Forced and permanent displacement is a breach of international laws," reiterated the three governments. "We have always supported Israel's right to defend itself against terrorism, but this escalation is entirely disproportionate," the statement warns, in which France, the United Kingdom, and Canada advocate for the "two-state solution" and the recognition of Palestine.
Benjamin Netanyahu responded defiantly to the statement, criticizing "the leaders of London, Ottawa, and Paris for offering a great prize to Hamas for their genocidal actions on October 7" and inviting the terrorist group "to commit further atrocities." The Israeli Prime Minister urged European leaders to follow "Donald Trump's vision to end the conflict."
The European Union is also considering a response to the military actions in Gaza, including a possible review of the Association Agreement with Israel, a proposal driven by the Dutch government seeking the support of a majority among the 27, as revealed by the Politico portal.
The review of the agreement with Israel must, in any case, start from the European Commission, but a majority support from countries would send a clear signal to President Ursula von der Leyen, returning from the summit with the United Kingdom to "reset" Brexit.
In a letter addressed to the Vice President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, Caspar Veldkamp, expressly requested a review of the agreement with Israel for failing to comply with Article 2, which guarantees "respect for human rights." Veldkamp accuses Israel of violating that principle by obstructing the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Several countries, including France, have shown willingness to support the initiative. "If 14 capitals support the review of the agreement, the European Commission must respond," argued the Dutch Foreign Minister. "The goal is to send a political message to Israel: this path cannot continue."
"The situation is unbearable because the blind violence and the blockade of humanitarian aid by the Israeli government have turned Gaza into a death camp, not to mention a cemetery," declared Foreign Minister Jean-Nöel Barrot on France Inter. "This must stop," added Barrot. "We are facing a profound attack on human dignity. It is an absolute violation of all norms of international law. And it is contrary to Israel's security because whoever sows violence, reaps violence."