UK, France, Canada threaten sanctions on Israel if Gaza war goes on
The leaders of Britain, France and Canada have warned Israel that their countries would take action if it does not stop a renewed military offensive in Gaza and lift aid restrictions.
“The Israeli Government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law,” a joint statement released by the British government said.
“We oppose any attempt to expand settlements in the West Bank. … We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions.”
After nearly three months of a total blockade, the World Health Organization issued a stark warning on the humanitarian crisis in the besieged Gaza Strip, saying “two million people are starving”.
Don't just threaten, do it now. Oh and stop the arms shipments to Israel while you're at it ffs. So far just more empty words while being complicit.
UN has a ‘clear, principled and practical plan to save lives at scale’
Earlier we reported on comments by UN official Tom Fletcher on Israel allowing a few aid trucks to enter Gaza after an 11-week blockade.
He urged Israeli authorities to:
- Open at least two crossings into Gaza, one in the north and another in the south
- Simplify and expedite procedures and remove any quotas
- Lift access impediments within Gaza and do not conduct attacks in areas and times of deliveries
- Allow aid suppliers to cover the whole range of needs – food, water, hygiene, shelter, health, fuel, gas and beyond
- Reduce looting
- Allow a regular flow of aid and multiple routes into Gaza
- Allow commercial goods to complement the humanitarian response
- Protect civilians and resume the ceasefire
He also said captives held in Gaza must be released immediately and unconditionally.
“The UN has a clear, principled and practical plan to save lives at scale. … We are ready to do so much more,” Fletcher said in a statement.
Twenty-two nations demand ‘full resumption’ of aid into Gaza
Twenty-two countries have issued a joint statement saying Israel’s decision to allow a “limited restart” of aid operations in Gaza must be followed by a complete resumption of unfettered humanitarian assistance.
The statement said existing aid groups have both the will and capacity to resume humanitarian operations in Gaza and they won’t support a “new model for delivering aid into Gaza“.
“As humanitarian donors, we have two straightforward messages for the government of Israel: allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza immediately and enable the UN and humanitarian organisations to work independently and impartially to save lives, reduce suffering and maintain dignity,” it said.
It is signed by the foreign ministers of countries including Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK.
Actions are needed, not more words.
