Britain, France, Canada Threaten Sanctions Against Israel
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
LONDON/JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – Britain, France and Canada threatened sanctions against Israel on Monday if it does not stop its renewed military offensive against Hamas and lift aid restrictions in Gaza, saying the war is disproportionate.
Leaders of the three nations called the conditions in Gaza “intolerable,” without addressing the reasons for the war.
Israel says the war was provoked by Hamas, which massacred some 1,200 people while abducting hundreds in Israel on October 7, 2023, and has refused to release all remaining hostages, dead or alive.
The Israeli military announced the start of a new operation on Friday, and earlier on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would take control of the whole of Gaza.
Earlier that day, Israel’s military declared an entire city a combat zone, while Hamas-controlled authorities claimed airstrikes killed more than 60 people.
Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Israel’s army would “wipe out” what remains of Palestinian Gaza, prompting an angry response from the British, French, and Canadian leaders.
“We will not stand by while the Netanyahu government pursues these egregious actions. 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 three allied governments said in a statement on Monday.
Netanyahu responded to the message, saying Israel will continue to defend itself until total victory is achieved. “The leaders in London, Ottawa, and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities,” Netanyahu added.
International pressure over an alleged “looming famine” forced the Israeli prime minister to announce on Sunday night that he would ease the 11-week siege of Gaza to prevent a “starvation crisis”.
However, critics say much of the aid will likely be stolen by Hamas and used to feed its fighters while hostages and others are starving.
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