On May 20, 2025, the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Canada released a powerful joint statement addressing the escalating crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. This unified stance reflects growing international concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation and the recent intensification of military operations by the Israeli Government.
The joint communiqué strongly condemns the expansion of Israeli military activities in Gaza, highlighting the intolerable level of human suffering in the region. The three nations expressed outrage over the limited quantity of food and aid being allowed into Gaza, stating that the recent announcement permitting only a basic quantity of food is grossly inadequate. They called for an immediate halt to Israeli military operations and an urgent allowance for unrestricted humanitarian aid. The leaders also emphasized the importance of working with the United Nations to ensure the consistent and principled delivery of humanitarian assistance.
At the same time, the statement urged Hamas to release all hostages taken since the October 7, 2023 attacks, emphasizing the need for both sides to take steps toward de-escalation and relief for civilians.
Criticism was also directed at the Israeli Government’s denial of essential aid to Gaza's civilian population. The leaders of the three nations warned that such actions risk breaching International Humanitarian Law. They condemned inflammatory language used by Israeli officials, suggesting that civilian despair and destruction in Gaza would lead to forced relocation. The joint statement firmly rejected such rhetoric, reminding the international community that permanent forced displacement is a clear violation of international law.
While the joint statement reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself following the October 7 attack, it described the scale of Israel’s response as “wholly disproportionate.” It warned that if Israel does not cease its military offensive and lift the current restrictions on humanitarian aid, the three countries will take further concrete actions. These could include targeted sanctions against those responsible for the policies in question.
In addition, the leaders voiced their opposition to the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. They called these settlements illegal and said they undermine the viability of a future Palestinian state and the overall peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. The statement made it clear that the international community is prepared to act against further settlement expansion, including implementing targeted measures.
One of the most significant parts of the joint statement was the strong endorsement of ceasefire efforts being led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. The leaders noted that a ceasefire, combined with the release of hostages and a viable political process, offers the best hope of ending the conflict. They reaffirmed support for a two-state solution as the long-term answer to the crisis. The statement pointed to the upcoming June 18 international conference in New York—co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France—as a key step toward finalizing a political solution that brings peace and security to both peoples.
The UK, France, and Canada also committed to continuing their diplomatic work alongside the Palestinian Authority, Israel, the United States, and other regional partners. They affirmed their support for the High-Level Two-State Solution Conference set to be hosted by the UN in June. According to the statement, this conference represents a crucial opportunity to build consensus and advance a lasting peace.
In conclusion, the joint declaration from London, Paris, and Ottawa sends a strong message: the international community will no longer tolerate the current trajectory of the conflict. It calls for accountability, humanitarian responsibility, and a renewed commitment to peace through diplomacy and a two-state solution.
