Macron, Starmer and Carney sharply criticized Israel: We will not 'stand idly by'

(Patria) - French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warned yesterday that they will not "stand idly by" in the face of "scandalous actions" by Benjamin Netanyahu's Israeli government in Gaza and threatened "concrete measures" if the military offensive does not stop and humanitarian aid is not unblocked.

"We are determined to recognize a Palestinian state, which will be our contribution to achieving a two-state solution, and we are ready to cooperate with others to achieve this goal," announced the French President and the British and Canadian Prime Ministers in a joint statement.

They specifically referred to a conference planned for June at the United Nations with the aim of "achieving international consensus".

"We strongly oppose the expansion of Israeli military operations in Gaza," the leaders said, adding that the "level of human suffering" in the Palestinian enclave is "unbearable".

The three leaders believe that the announcement of access for a "minimal amount of food is absolutely insufficient" and call on "the Israeli government to suspend military operations in Gaza and to immediately allow the delivery of humanitarian aid".

Starmer, Carney and Macron condemned the "contemptible language recently used by members of the Israeli government, as well as their threat of forced displacement of civilians facing the terrible destruction of Gaza".

While acknowledging Israel's right to "defend itself against terrorism" and calling on "Hamas to immediately release the remaining hostages it has held since October 7, 2023," the three leaders believe that the escalation carried out by the Israeli authorities is "completely disproportionate".

"If Israel does not end the new military offensive and lift the restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian aid, we will respond by taking further concrete measures," they warned, without specifying what measures they were.

They also threatened "targeted measures" if Israel does not stop building "settlements that are illegal and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state".

They pledged to "cooperate with the Palestinian Authority, regional partners, Israel and the US to reach a consensus on arrangements for the future of Gaza, based on the Arab plan".