Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has fiercely criticized the leaders of France, the U.K., and Canada following their joint threat of "targeted sanctions" in response to Israel's renewed military offensive in Gaza. The three leaders condemned the "intolerable" humanitarian situation in the besieged coastal enclave and called for an immediate halt to Israel's intensified military campaign, which has been marked by renewed ground assaults and airstrikes.
In their statement, the leaders recognized Israel's right to defend itself after the October 7 attack, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis. However, they deemed the escalation of violence "wholly disproportionate." They warned that if Israel does not cease its military operations and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, they would take further concrete actions in response.
Netanyahu countered with a statement asserting that the leaders' demands were tantamount to offering a "huge prize" for Hamas's attack while inviting more atrocities. He emphasized Israel's acceptance of former President Trump's vision for Gaza, which proposes the expulsion of its Palestinian population and redevelopment of the area, a plan dismissed by many Middle Eastern and European nations as an endorsement of ethnic cleansing.
This joint intervention by the British, French, and Canadian leaders signifies a growing discontent among Israel’s Western allies regarding its military operations in Gaza. French President Emmanuel Macron has previously clashed with Netanyahu over arms deliveries to Israel and discussions regarding recognition of a Palestinian state.
The Netherlands has echoed these sentiments, recently urging the EU to review its partnership with Israel due to the disastrous humanitarian situation in Gaza, where over 50,000 Palestinians have reportedly lost their lives. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed support for the Dutch proposal to reassess the EU association agreement with Israel, stating, “The situation in Gaza forces us to increase the pressure.”
As tensions escalate and humanitarian concerns mount, the international community watches closely, awaiting potential shifts in policy and diplomacy surrounding the ongoing conflict.
