Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lashed out at the leaders of France, Britain, and Canada, accusing them of aiding Hamas by pressuring Israel to halt its latest offensive in Gaza. The comments followed a joint statement from the three countries, urging Israel to ease restrictions on humanitarian aid and to reconsider its military escalation in the Palestinian enclave.
Netanyahu characterized the Western leaders’ stance as aligning with Hamas, saying they were on “the wrong side of humanity and the wrong side of history.” His remarks echo those of Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, as Israel pushes back against mounting international criticism over its actions in Gaza.
The Israeli leader, who faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes, has frequently condemned what he views as institutional bias against Israel from global bodies like the United Nations and the International Court of Justice.
But global outrage continues to grow as images of devastation and reports of widespread hunger in Gaza flood international media. More than 53,000 Palestinians have reportedly died since Israel’s offensive began in response to Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 hostages being taken into Gaza.
Netanyahu argued that calls to recognize a Palestinian state such as those made recently by Spain and Ireland would amount to rewarding Hamas. He cited the killing of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington by a man reportedly shouting “Free Palestine” as evidence of the broader threat Israel faces.
French and British officials rejected Netanyahu’s accusations. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called them “absurd and slanderous,” emphasizing France’s continued support for Israel’s security. British Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard reiterated Israel’s right to self-defence but stressed it must act within international humanitarian law.
Despite easing its blockade this week, Israel had blocked aid to Gaza since March, prompting Monday’s call from France, the UK, and Canada. Netanyahu interpreted the move as legitimizing Hamas’ power and undermining Israel’s security, warning it could lead to “a second Palestinian state” ruled by the militant group.
