Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply criticized France, Britain, and Canada, accusing them of siding with Hamas. His comments followed a joint warning from the three nations, threatening "concrete action" if Israel's offensive in Gaza continued. Netanyahu stated, "You're on the wrong side of humanity and you're on the wrong side of history," as international pressure mounts over the ongoing conflict.

The Israeli leader cited the recent fatal stabbing of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, reportedly by an assailant shouting "Free Palestine," as evidence of the threat posed by support for the Palestinian cause. This sentiment echoes similar remarks made by Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

As distressing images of destruction and hunger in Gaza proliferate globally, fueling protests and demands for a ceasefire, Israel faces increasing difficulty in shaping international opinion. Support for its military operations has notably diminished, particularly within Western democracies. Yaki Dayan, a former Israeli diplomat, observed the challenge in convincing some, especially on the far left in the U.S. and parts of Europe, that Israel's actions constitute a war of defense. He noted the disparity between this perception and how the conflict is viewed within Israel, calling bridging this gap "an impossible mission."

Concerns are growing that France might soon join Spain and Ireland in endorsing a two-state solution to resolve the decades-long conflict. However, Netanyahu maintains that establishing a Palestinian state would jeopardize Israel's security.

The British government has already intensified its criticism, suspending free trade negotiations with Israel and imposing sanctions on Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. This decisive move comes amid intensifying global condemnation of Israel's nearly three-month blockade of humanitarian aid into Gaza, which has prompted famine warnings from aid organizations and concern from even staunch allies like the United States.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy has condemned the humanitarian crisis in both Gaza and the West Bank. The UK's actions follow a rare coordinated rebuke by Britain, France, and Canada, condemning Israel's conduct in Gaza and its settlement expansion in the West Bank. While the existing UK-Israel trade agreement remains, the suspension of talks for a new deal signifies one of Britain's strongest diplomatic measures since the conflict began. Sanctions targeting individuals and groups involved in violent settler activity in the West Bank further underscore the UK's shifting stance as the region's humanitarian crisis deepens.

Source: https://saharareporters.com/2025/05/23/israeli-pm-netanyahu-slams-western-leaders-who-called-end-gaza-offensives