Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused the leaders of Britain, France, and Canada of offering Hamas a “huge prize” after they called for an end to Israel’s intensified military operations in Gaza.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney had earlier condemned what they described as Israel’s “egregious” escalation in Gaza and warned of concrete actions if Netanyahu did not change course.
In a joint statement, the three leaders said: “If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response.” They also called on Hamas to release the hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attack.
“We have always supported Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism,” the statement read. “But this escalation is wholly disproportionate.”
Netanyahu responded sharply, saying: “By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed, and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottawa, and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7, while inviting more such atrocities.”
He added: “The war can end tomorrow if the remaining hostages are released, Hamas lays down its arms, its murderous leaders are exiled, and Gaza is demilitarised. No nation can be expected to accept anything less — and Israel certainly won’t.”
Netanyahu framed the conflict as a broader ideological battle, declaring: “This is a war of civilisation over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved.”
Meanwhile, the UN’s humanitarian relief chief, Tom Fletcher, a former British diplomat, said that while nine aid trucks were cleared to enter Gaza following the partial lifting of Israel’s blockade, the delivery was “a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed.”
“Our expectations for today’s crossings are realistic,” Fletcher warned. “Given ongoing bombardment and acute hunger levels, the risks of looting and insecurity are significant.”
