Background on Key Figures and Context
The leaders of France, Canada, and the United Kingdom have joined growing international pressure on Israel to cease its “scandalous” actions in Gaza and allow humanitarian aid to enter the besieged territory. The three prominent figures—French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Governor Mark Carney, and British Leader Keir Starmer—have issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s military offensive and warning of further concrete measures if the situation doesn’t change.
Israel’s Military Offensive and Humanitarian Concerns
Israel aims to regain control over Gaza to defeat the Islamist group Hamas, which launched attacks on Israeli territory on October 7, 2023. However, the United Nations has raised concerns about the escalating risk of famine in Gaza due to the ongoing blockade.
In their joint declaration, Macron, Carney, and Starmer express support for Israel’s right to defend its citizens against terrorism but criticize the current military escalation as disproportionate.
The leaders promise not to remain idle while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues these “scandalous” actions. They warn that if Israel does not end its military offensive and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, they will take further concrete measures.
Moreover, the trio condemns the “hateful rhetoric” used by Israeli government members and warns that forcibly displacing civilians violates international humanitarian law.
They also pledge to work with the Palestinian Authority, regional partners, Israel, and the United States to achieve a consensus on Gaza’s future based on the Arab plan.
Netanyahu’s Stance and Humanitarian Concerns
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel will take control of all of Gaza and prevent a “diplomatic” famine in the Palestinian territory to continue the war. He emphasized that fighting is intense and progressing, stating that Israel will take control of the entire territory.
Netanyahu insists that Israel will not concede but must act to avoid being hindered. He explained the limited entry of humanitarian aid into the bombarded enclave due to the ongoing blockade imposed by Israel since March 2nd, which has prevented essential supplies from entering Gaza.
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, warned in Geneva about the growing risk of famine in Gaza, where approximately two million people are facing severe food shortages.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the key figures involved? The leaders of France (Emmanuel Macron), Canada (Mark Carney), and the United Kingdom (Keir Starmer) have issued a joint statement urging Israel to end its military offensive in Gaza.
- What are they asking Israel to do? They demand that Israel cease its “scandalous” actions in Gaza and allow humanitarian aid to enter the besieged territory.
- What measures will they take if Israel doesn’t comply? The leaders promise to adopt further concrete measures without specifying the actions.
- What is Netanyahu’s stance on the situation? Netanyahu asserts that Israel will take control of Gaza and prevent a “diplomatic” famine to continue the war, despite the ongoing blockade.
- What are the humanitarian concerns in Gaza? Approximately two million people in Gaza are facing severe food shortages due to the blockade imposed by Israel since March 2nd, raising concerns about a potential famine.
