UK, France and Canada threaten sanctions against Israel over fresh Gaza onslaught
France’s President Emmanuel Macron (L) and Britain’s PM Keir Starmer at the European Political Community summit in Tirana, Albania, on 16 May 2025
Middle East Eye reports on 20 May 2025:
Britain, France and Canada have threatened Israel with sanctions if it fails to stop its military operations in Gaza and immediately allow humanitarian aid to enter.
The unprecedented move marks a dramatic shift in policy for all three countries, which have until now been key backers of Israel.
In response, enraged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on social media platform X on Monday night that “the leaders in London, Ottowa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities”.
A joint statement from Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, France’s President Emmanuel Macron and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday called Israel’s expanded military operations in Gaza “wholly disproportionate”.
“We will not stand by while the Netanyahu Government pursues these egregious actions,” the statement said “If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response.”
The statement also urged Israel to halt settlements in the occupied West Bank, saying they are “illegal and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and the security of both Israelis and Palestinians”.
“We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions,” the statement added.
Israel ‘risks breaching’ international law
Significantly, the statement fell short of accusing Israel of breaking international law, saying only that its “denial of essential humanitarian assistance” to civilians in Gaza “risks breaching International Humanitarian Law”.
The move represents Britain, France and Canada distancing themselves from US policy, which has remained supportive of Israel’s campaign in Gaza.