### France, UK, and Canada Warn Israel of Sanctions Over Gaza Offensive

In a significant diplomatic escalation, leaders from France, the United Kingdom, and Canada have threatened Israel with "targeted sanctions" in response to the country's intensified military operations in Gaza. This joint statement came amidst a deteriorating humanitarian crisis in the coastal region, besieged by months of blockade followed by renewed ground and air assaults.

"Israel suffered a heinous attack on October 7. We have always supported Israel's right to defend Israelis against terrorism. But this escalation is wholly disproportionate," stated British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The leaders condemned the dire conditions faced by Gaza's residents and urged Israel to halt its aggressive campaign.

The statement stressed that the international community could not remain passive as Israel continued its offensive and restricted humanitarian aid. "We will not stand by while the Netanyahu government pursues these egregious actions. If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response," they warned.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu retaliated with a vehement response, accusing the trio of offering incentives to Hamas terrorists by calling for an end to Israel's defensive measures. "By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottawa, and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities," Netanyahu asserted on social media.

Netanyahu also emphasized his support for a U.S. proposal from President Trump, which suggests taking over Gaza, expelling its Palestinian population, and redeveloping the area. This controversial plan has faced widespread rejection from Middle Eastern and European countries, as well as the United Nations, which has warned against any form of ethnic cleansing—a stance Netanyahu has swiftly embraced.

The joint declaration from the UK, France, and Canada is part of a growing international discontent with Israel's relentless military campaign in Gaza, following an October 7 Hamas cross-border raid that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis. Macron's strained relations with Netanyahu date back to his calls last year for a halt to arms deliveries to Israel, further complicated by his recent discussions on French recognition of a Palestinian state.

Adding to the pressure on Israel, the Netherlands has prompted the European Union to reconsider its partnership with the country over the escalating humanitarian disaster in Gaza, where more than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed and countless others are facing starvation and disease. On Tuesday, France expressed its support for the Dutch proposal. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot urged the European Commission to review the EU association agreement with Israel, suggesting that the gravity of the Gaza situation necessitated increased pressure.