The governments of UK, France and Canada Tuesday (20th May, 2025), noting that “the level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable,” stated that they strongly opposed the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was horrified by the military escalation in Gaza. UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs David Lamy dysyrf: “We cannot stand by in the face of this new deterioration.
“It is incompatible with the principles that underpin our bilateral relationship…Frankly, it’s an affront to the values of the British people. Therefore, today, I’m announcing that we have suspended negotiations with this Israeli government on a new free trade agreement.”
Israeli foreign ministry spokesman retaliated: “If, due to anti-Israel obsession and domestic political considerations, the British government is willing to harm the British economy — that is its own prerogative. External pressure will not divert Israel from its path in defending its existence and security against enemies who seek its destruction.”
Irani Minister of Foreign Affairs Sayyid Abbas Araghchi and Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff exchanged notes for six hours through Omani mediators. Following the indirect talks, Araghchi stated: “The negotiations are extremely serious and technical …there are still differences, both on major issues and on details…
“There is seriousness and determination on both sides … However, our optimism about success of the talks remains extremely cautious.” the two agreed to meet in Europe ‘soon’. Trump administration too stated that the talks were positive and productive.
On the completion of the second round of indirect nuclear negotiations on 19th April, Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi informed that the talks with US were constructive and third round would be held here on 26th April following a rendezvous of technical experts.
The US and Iran delegations stayed in separate rooms in the Embassy as Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi shuttled messages between them. After four hours US ME Ambassador Steve Witkoff stated: “We succeeded in reaching a better understanding on certain principles and goals…The negotiations were conducted in a constructive atmosphere and are progressing.”
Earlier, officials from USA and Iran converged to discuss Irani nuclear program here on 12th April which was termed a step forward by the White House, while Tehran called it productive. Following a 150-minute rendezvous both sides agreed to continue the parleys next week.
Ahead of the talks Irani Foreign Minister Araghchi stated: “Our goal is to reach a just and respectful agreement and on equal footing. If the other side also comes from a similar approach, then this will be an opportunity for an initial understanding, which will lead to the path to negotiations. Araghchi said they would work together and put further efforts to assist in arriving at the goal.
It may be recalled that on 16th May, US President Donald Trump, (wrapping-up his four-day trip of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE) noted that a lot of people were starving in Gaza. Referring to the starvation there, for the second time during his Gulf tour, Trump stated: “I think a lot of good things are going to happen over the next month, and we’re going to see. We have to help also out the Palestinians. You know, a lot of people are starving on Gaza, so we have to look at both sides.”
Israeli PM, Benjamin Netanyahu, taking to the X held on 5th May that the new offensive in Gaza would be an intensive military operation. “One thing will be clear: there will be no in-and-out. We’ll call up reserves to come, hold territory — we’re not going to enter and then exit the area, only to carry out raids afterwards. That’s not the plan. The intention is the opposite…There will be a movement of the population to protect them.”
According to Israeli officials the newly approved offensive would seize the entire territory of the Gaza Strip, move its civilian population southward and keep humanitarian aid from falling into Hamas’ hands. A government spokesman told Media online that reserve soldiers were being called up to expand operations in Gaza, not to occupy it.
Commenting on the Israeli Security Cabinet’s approval of Military Operation in Gaza, EU spokesman Anouar El Anouni stated: “The European Union is concerned at the planned extension of the operation by Israeli forces in Gaza, which will result in further casualties and suffering for the Palestinian population. We urge Israel to exercise the utmost restraint.”
Observing the severe nature of humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, European Council President António Costa, held that it was “a tragedy where international law is being systematically violated, and an entire population is being subjected to disproportionate military force…There must be safe, swift and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid.”
Newspakistan.tv
