Breaking with the standard statements and minimal condemnations of recent months regarding Israeli operations in the Gaza Strip, a joint communiqué issued on Monday, May 19, by the leaders of France, the United Kingdom and Canada read as a severe and unprecedented critique of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the actions committed by Israel and its army: “We strongly oppose the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable,” it stated. The leaders demanded that Israel halt its military operations and resume the distribution of humanitarian aid, which has been blocked since March 2. They also urged Hamas “to release immediately the remaining hostages” – there are still 58 in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive.
The statement condemned “the abhorrent language used recently by members of the Israeli Government, threatening that, in their despair at the destruction of Gaza, civilians will start to relocate,” reminding that such expulsions are a violation of international humanitarian law. Acknowledging the “atrocious” nature of the October 7 attack, the leaders nonetheless consider that “this escalation is completely disproportionate.” French Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized these views on Tuesday, on France Inter radio station, stating that “the situation [in Gaza] is unbearable. The blind violence is turning Gaza into a death camp, if not a cemetery,” and referring to “starving, thirsty children.”
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