Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ignited a diplomatic firestorm by accusing UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney of effectively endorsing Hamas, a group he labels as "mass murderers, rapists, baby killers, and kidnappers."
In a video statement, Netanyahu criticized the leaders for their joint condemnation of Israel’s expanded military operations and restricted humanitarian aid in Gaza, claiming their stance implies support for Hamas’s continued control. The remarks follow a recent attack on Israeli embassy staff in Washington, DC, which Netanyahu linked to broader anti-Israel sentiment.
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Escalating Tensions Over Gaza Operations
The controversy stems from a joint statement issued on May 19, 2025, by the UK, France, and Canada, condemning Israel’s intensified military campaign in Gaza and its limitations on humanitarian aid. The leaders described the situation as “catastrophic,” citing severe malnutrition and civilian suffering.
Real-time data from humanitarian organizations indicates that over 60% of Gaza’s population faces acute food insecurity, with 1.8 million people at risk of starvation due to restricted aid flows.
The statement threatened “concrete actions” if Israel does not alter its policies, prompting Netanyahu’s sharp rebuke. In his video, Netanyahu asserted that Hamas seeks to “destroy Israel and annihilate the Jewish people,” questioning how Western leaders could fail to grasp this “simple truth.”
He directly addressed Starmer, Macron, and Carney, stating, “When mass murderers thank you, you’re on the wrong side of justice, humanity, and history.” Israeli Minister Amichai Chikli echoed this sentiment, accusing the leaders of “emboldening the forces of terror.”
UK and Allies Respond
Downing Street declined to directly address Netanyahu’s accusations but highlighted Starmer’s recent X post condemning antisemitism as an “evil we must stamp out,” in reference to the Washington embassy attack.
Starmer has previously called Israel’s actions in Gaza “intolerable,” emphasizing the “utterly inadequate” aid allowed into the region.
France and Canada have similarly urged Israel to comply with international humanitarian law, with Macron advocating for a ceasefire and Carney stressing the need for unimpeded aid delivery.
Did You Know?
The Gaza Strip, home to over 2 million people, is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, with limited access to resources and infrastructure, making humanitarian aid critical to survival.
Former Israeli PM’s Scathing Critique
Adding fuel to the debate, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, in an interview on BBC World Service’s Newshour, described the current Israeli government as a “gang of thugs” led by Netanyahu.
Olmert, responding to criticism from Israel’s education minister over his earlier claim that Israel’s actions in Gaza were “close to a war crime,” stood firm.
“They are defaming me, but it will not stop me from opposing these atrocious policies,” he said. His remarks reflect growing internal dissent within Israel over the government’s handling of the conflict.
Background of the Conflict
The ongoing conflict was triggered by Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people and saw 251 others taken hostage.
Israel’s retaliatory campaign has resulted in significant casualties, with Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reporting at least 53,762 deaths, including 16,500 children, as of May 23, 2025.
The humanitarian crisis has worsened, with recent reports indicating that only 10% of required aid is reaching Gaza’s population, exacerbating malnutrition and displacement.
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