Britain, Canada, France warn Israel over Gaza offensive, threaten joint action
Paris: The leaders of Britain, France, and Canada have jointly condemned Israel’s "egregious actions" in Gaza and warned of "further concrete actions" if the Israeli government does not halt its renewed military offensive and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid.
In a strongly worded joint statement issued on May 19, Prime Minister Keir Starmer (UK), President Emmanuel Macron (France), and Prime Minister Mark Carney (Canada) denounced Israel’s aid blockade and rhetoric from Israeli ministers suggesting mass displacement of Palestinians.
“We will not stand by while the Netanyahu government pursues these egregious actions,” the statement read. “If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response.”
The leaders also reiterated their commitment to recognising a Palestinian state, calling it “a contribution to achieving a two-state solution.”
The warning coincided with a broader call from 22 countries, including the UK, France, and Canada, urging Israel to allow full resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza, where the population “faces starvation.” Israel, which had imposed a total blockade since March 2, announced on Monday that a limited number of aid trucks would be allowed in.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fiercely rejected the statement, accusing the Western leaders of rewarding Hamas for the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. “By demanding a Palestinian state and asking Israel to end a defensive war, these leaders are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel,” he said.
Netanyahu maintained that the war could end if Hamas surrenders, hostages are released, and Gaza is demilitarised. “Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved,” he stated, describing the conflict as “a war of civilisation over barbarism.”
The joint statement also criticised Israeli ministers’ threats of displacement, stating that “permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law.” It further said that denial of humanitarian aid “risks breaching international humanitarian law.”
According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 3,340 people have died since Israel resumed strikes on March 18, bringing the total death toll in Gaza to 53,486. On the Israeli side, the October 7 attack by Hamas claimed 1,218 lives, mostly civilians, according to official Israeli figures.
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Thunderstorm hits Lucknow, IMD issues red alert across multiple UP districts
Lucknow: Shortly after the India Meteorological Department issued a red alert warning of severe weather conditions in the region, a sudden thunderstorm hit Lucknow and adjoining districts on Monday morning.
The Indian Express reported that the skies turned dark around 8:45 am as strong winds lashed parts of the city. Incidents of tree falls were reported from several locations, disrupting traffic and normal movement.
The weather department said thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hail and gusty winds of 40 to 60 kmph are likely to continue over the next three hours across several districts.
A red alert has been issued for districts including Unnao, Barabanki, Hardoi, Sitapur, Bahraich, Gonda, Shravasti and Lakhimpur Kheri, where moderate thunderstorms with hail and strong winds may damage trees, power lines and temporary structures.
An orange alert is in place for Rae Bareli, Amethi, Kanpur Nagar, Ayodhya, Kanpur Dehat, Auraiya, Kannauj, Farrukhabad, Shahjahanpur and Balrampur, where thunderstorms with lightning and winds up to 60 kmph could lead to localised disruptions.
Major parts of the state remains under yellow alert, including districts such as Prayagraj, Agra, Bareilly, Aligarh and Moradabad, where light rain, lightning and winds of 30 to 40 kmph are expected.
Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors, avoid open areas and trees during lightning, and secure loose objects.
