UK, France, Canada threaten ‘concrete actions’ against Israel over Gaza

20-May-2025

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The United Kingdom, France and Canada are “horrified” by the military escalation in Gaza and have threatened to take “concrete actions” against Israel if it does not stop its renewed offensive and lift aid restrictions.

“I want to put on record today that we’re horrified by the escalation from Israel … We repeat our demand for a ceasefire,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the UK’s parliament on May 20, as Israel doubles down on its deadly campaign in Gaza, killing at least 87 people in the last 24 hours.

On May 19, Starmer, together with France’s Emmanuel Macron and Canada’s Mark Carney released a joint statement calling Israel’s escalation “wholly disproportionate”.

“We strongly oppose the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable,” the leaders said, also condemning Israel’s actions in the occupied West Bank. “Israel must halt settlements which are illegal … We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions.”