Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has slammed the leaders of the UK, France and Canada, accusing them of offering Hamas a “huge prize” after they urged Israel to halt its intensified military operations in Gaza.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney jointly criticised Israel’s latest offensive, warning of “concrete actions” if Netanyahu’s government fails to change course.
In a strongly worded response, Netanyahu said Israel would continue its military campaign until it achieved “total victory” over Hamas.
In their joint statement, Starmer, Macron and Carney 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.”
The three leaders also called for the immediate release of hostages still held by Hamas following the 7 October 2023 attack.
“We have always supported Israel’s right to defend Israelis against terrorism,” the statement said, “but this escalation is wholly disproportionate.”
Reacting to the comments, Netanyahu said: “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,” he continued. “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 chief, Tom Fletcher, a former British diplomat, confirmed that nine aid trucks were allowed into Gaza after Israel eased its blockade.
However, he warned that the limited delivery was “a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed.”
“Our expectations for today’s crossings are realistic: given the ongoing bombardment and acute hunger levels, the risks of looting and insecurity are significant,” Fletcher said.
(dpa/NAN)
