Netanyahu Accuses Western Leaders of Supporting Hamas Amid Rising Global Criticism
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has launched a fierce rebuke against the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Canada, accusing them of siding with Hamas and being on “the wrong side of humanity.” His remarks come amid growing international criticism of Israel’s expanding military offensive in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s statement followed a deadly attack on Israeli embassy staff in Washington, where two diplomats were fatally shot during a public event. The suspect reportedly shouted pro-Palestinian slogans during the attack and had links to protest movements calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
In a strongly worded video message, Netanyahu said that UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney were effectively encouraging Hamas to continue its campaign by criticizing Israel’s actions.
“When mass murderers, rapists, baby killers, and kidnappers thank you, you’re not on the side of justice,” Netanyahu said. “You’re on the wrong side of humanity and the wrong side of history.”
The leaders of the UK, France, and Canada had earlier described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “intolerable” and criticized Israel’s recent military escalation as disproportionate. They also warned that continued restrictions on aid access could have severe humanitarian consequences.
In response, Israel insisted that its campaign is targeted at eliminating Hamas and securing the release of remaining hostages. The military has intensified its operations in northern and central Gaza, urging civilians to evacuate. However, aid groups and UN officials have called the movement of displaced residents nearly impossible given the scale of previous evacuations and ongoing strikes.
Netanyahu dismissed warnings by international institutions and aid agencies, accusing them of spreading misinformation. He cited recent statements from UN officials that predicted mass infant fatalities without increased aid access as contributing to incitement and violence.
Meanwhile, a senior Israeli official further accused Western leaders of emboldening terrorist elements through their statements, saying such rhetoric provides ideological support to those who seek to harm Israelis.
In the UK, government officials reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defense but emphasized the need for compliance with international humanitarian law and the urgent delivery of aid to Gaza. Talks of a trade agreement between the UK and Israel have reportedly been paused.
France and Canada have also reiterated their demand for an immediate increase in humanitarian access to Gaza and warned of potential diplomatic consequences if the situation does not improve.
Despite rising global criticism, Netanyahu has remained resolute in defending Israel’s military campaign, framing it as a necessary measure to ensure national security and prevent further attacks. The conflict, triggered by a deadly Hamas-led incursion in October 2023, has led to tens of thousands of casualties in Gaza and continues to strain Israel’s relations with some of its closest allies.