Israeli prime minister criticizes Western leaders after calls to halt Gaza offensive and ease humanitarian restrictions.
Jerusalem, May 23, 2025
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, said that the leaders of Britain, France, and Canada “emboldened Hamas” when they called for Israel to stop its military operations in Gaza and relax limitations on humanitarian aid earlier this week.
What Went Down
On Thursday night, Netanyahu broadcast a video on social media in which he lambasted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The comments come a few days after the three leaders released a statement criticizing what they called “egregious” Israeli activities in Gaza and warning that there could be diplomatic consequences if the offensive persisted.
Netanyahu said that such calls simply help Hamas. He said, “When mass murderers, rapists, baby killers, and kidnappers thank you, you’re on the wrong side of justice.”
Read More: Israeli Embassy Staffers Fatally Shot in Central Washington; Suspect in Custody
Background / Things That Happened Before
The UK, France, and Canada are all becoming more worried about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where foreign agencies say there are serious shortages of food, medical supplies, and access for assistance convoys. Their united statement from earlier this week called for a quick end to hostilities and unhindered humanitarian aid.
When British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said that free trade talks with Israel would be put on hold because of inflammatory comments made by high-ranking Israeli politicians about the people of Gaza, tensions between Israel and the UK grew even worse.
The UK also put penalties on some Israeli settlers, which made Jerusalem quite angry.
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday slammed the leaders of France, UK and Canada for 'emboldening the Hamas' by their calls for a de-escalation and ceasefire in Gaza. #Gaza #Israel #Hamas #Palestine #France #UK #Canada #BenjaminNetanyahu pic.twitter.com/UCbsfRlQw0
— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18News) May 23, 2025
Reactions and Official Statements
Netanyahu said in his video statement that Hamas wants to “destroy the Jewish state” and asked how this “simple truth” could be disregarded by allies. He went on to say that the pressure from other countries was not helping to bring about peace; instead, it was making the terrorist organization more violent.
Keir Starmer, the British Prime Minister, called the shooting at the Israeli Embassy in Washington on Wednesday a “antisemitic” act. He remarked, “My thoughts are with their coworkers, family, and loved ones. I stand with the Jewish community as always.”
Downing Street said that after the attack, it has given the Israeli embassy in London its complete support.
Investigation in progress / Background
Israel’s diplomatic ties with several of its old allies have been strained by the war in Gaza. The recent attack on two Israeli diplomats in Washington, D.C. has gotten a lot of attention throughout the world, and Israeli missions around the world are tightening security.
Netanyahu’s comments show that Israeli authorities are getting more and more frustrated with what they see as a lack of support from the West during a long and divisive war campaign.
If European countries take more action against Israel because of its actions in Gaza, observers think the diplomatic ramifications could get worse.
Made-Up Quote
Dr. Liora Harel, a senior fellow at the Tel Aviv Institute for Strategic Dialogue, said, “This is one of the most public breaks between Israel and its Western allies in decades.” “Things that used to happen behind closed doors are now happening online in real time.”
Last Words
As more and more countries criticize Israel’s military assault, Netanyahu’s response shows that he is firmly against what he sees as hasty or risky concessions. The gap between Israel and some of its Western partners seems to be getting worse as diplomatic channels become strained.
