Israel is warned of military action by the UK, France, and Canada
The UK, France, and Canada have issued warnings to Israel regarding its military actions, while Netanyahu has responded with counterarguments. On Monday, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the leaders of the UK, Canada, and France following their commitment to take decisive measures should the blockade on humanitarian aid in Gaza remain in place or if military operations in Gaza are escalated. In a statement on X, Netanyahu asserted, “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.”
In reaffirming Israel’s commitment to “total victory” against Hamas, Netanyahu referenced US President Donald Trump’s example, stating, “Israel accepts President Trump’s vision and urges all European leaders to do the same.” The conflict could conclude as early as tomorrow, contingent upon the release of the remaining hostages, Hamas ceasing its armed activities, the exile of its violent leadership, and the demilitarization of Gaza. No nation can be expected to accept anything less, and Israel certainly won’t.
This follows a joint statement from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who criticized Netanyahu for Israel’s escalation of its conflict. Describing the situation in Gaza as “intolerable”, the leaders collectively stated, “We will not stand by while the Netanyahu government pursues these egregious actions.” “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 leaders of the three countries refrained from detailing potential measures against Israel, yet emphasized, “We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state as a contribution to achieving a two-state solution and are prepared to work with others to this end.” The statement further emphasized that Israel is approaching a violation of international law: “It slammed abhorrent language used recently by members of the Israeli government, threatening that, in their despair at the destruction of Gaza, civilians will start to relocate.”
Israel is expanding its military operations in Gaza. This follows Israel’s initiation of a ground offensive in Gaza over the weekend, occurring after US President Donald Trump left the Middle East without securing a ceasefire and hostage agreement, as reported by CNN. The ground operation followed a series of intense strikes that persisted for several days in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the complete devastation of certain families, as reported by health authorities. On May 19, Netanyahu recognized the increasing international pressure and permitted the entry of aid into Gaza.
