LOC23:44
20:44 GMT
PARIS, May 19 (KUNA) - France, United Kingdom, and Canada issued a joint statement on Monday opposing the expansion of Israel's military operations in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
The joint statement was issued by French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. They strongly rejected Israel's announcement yesterday to restrict the entry of basic quantities of food into Gaza, calling it wholly inadequate."
"We call on the Israeli government to halt its military operations in Gaza and immediately allow humanitarian aid into the Strip. This must include engaging with the United Nations to ensure the resumption of aid delivery in accordance with humanitarian principles," the statement added.
They also called on Hamas to immediately release the remaining hostages who have been cruelly held since October 7, 2023.
"We oppose any attempt to expand settlements in the West Bank. Israel must halt settlement activity, which is illegal and undermines the viability of a Palestinian state as well as the security of both Israelis and Palestinians," they said.
Furthermore, they expressed strong support for the efforts led by the United States, Qatar and Egypt to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of all remaining hostages.
The joint statement concluded: "We will continue to work with the Palestinian Authority, regional partners, Israel, and the United States to finalize a consensus on arrangements for Gaza's future, building on the Arab plan. We are committed to recognizing a Palestinian state as a contribution to achieving a two-state solution and are prepared to work with others to this end." (end)
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