The United Kingdom, Canada, and France have issued a rare joint warning to Israel, expressing deep concern over what they describe as “egregious” violations of international law in Gaza and calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The statement comes amid mounting civilian casualties, the looming assault on Rafah, and an escalating humanitarian catastrophe in the besieged Palestinian enclave.
The joint communiqué, released Monday, accuses Israel of using disproportionate force and failing to adequately protect civilians, in contravention of the Geneva Conventions. “We are alarmed by the scale of suffering and the continuing attacks on densely populated areas,” the statement reads. “These actions are indefensible and unacceptable.”
The three governments specifically condemned the planned Israeli ground invasion of Rafah, where more than 1.4 million displaced Palestinians are sheltering. Aid groups have warned that such an operation could result in mass civilian casualties and the total collapse of humanitarian relief efforts.
Despite repeated international pleas, the Israeli military has continued air and artillery strikes on Rafah’s outskirts, signaling preparation for a full-scale assault. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected calls for a ceasefire, stating that a military victory over Hamas is “non-negotiable.”
“We must finish the job in Rafah to ensure Israel’s long-term security,” Netanyahu said during a press briefing. He accused critics of “double standards” and defended Israel’s conduct as “measured and lawful.”
The joint warning from London, Ottawa, and Paris marks one of the strongest coordinated rebukes by major Western allies of Israel since the war began in October 2023. While all three countries reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defense, they emphasized that such a right “does not override the fundamental obligations to protect civilian life.”
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated, “Our support for Israel is not unconditional. We cannot look away while entire communities are destroyed under the pretext of security.”
Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly echoed the sentiment, stressing that Canada’s continued support depends on adherence to international humanitarian law. “Indiscriminate attacks and the obstruction of humanitarian aid are unacceptable,” she said.
France, which has grown increasingly vocal in recent weeks, reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire and full access for humanitarian convoys. President Emmanuel Macron has faced pressure domestically over arms exports to Israel and is reportedly considering suspension of future military cooperation.
In response, Israel’s foreign ministry accused the three countries of yielding to “anti-Israel propaganda” and insisted that the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) takes “unprecedented steps” to avoid civilian harm. “Those who criticize Israel should direct their anger at Hamas, whose tactics endanger Palestinian civilians,” the statement said.
Human rights organizations welcomed the statement but called for more than words. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch urged the trio to impose arms embargoes and pursue war crimes investigations. “Condemnation without action enables impunity,” said Agnes Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty.
The U.S. has yet to issue a joint statement with its allies, though President Joe Biden has warned Israel against launching a full-scale offensive in Rafah without safeguards for civilians. Nonetheless, Washington continues to supply military aid, including a recently approved $1 billion weapons package.
As the Gaza death toll climbs—now exceeding 35,000, mostly women and children—the international community faces growing pressure to hold Israel accountable while still backing efforts to combat Hamas. The joint warning from the UK, Canada, and France may be the first sign of a diplomatic shift, but whether it leads to concrete action remains to be seen.
For now, Gaza remains under fire, and the world watches as Rafah braces for what could be the most devastating chapter in this war yet.
Source: The New Arab
