Netanyahu furious as UK, France and Canada demand ‘egregious’ Israel cease Gaza offensive
Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a furious response to the UK, France and Canada after the three countries issued a joint statement yesterday demanding Israel changes its course.
Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney called Israel’s renewed military offensive in Gaza “wholly disproportionate”.
“We will not stand by while the Netanyahu government pursues these egregious actions,” the leaders said.
“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 also called on Hamas to release the hostages it took in the “heinous attack” on 7 October.
But they added: “We have always supported Israel’s right to defend Israelis against terrorism. But this escalation is wholly disproportionate.”
Netanyahu gave a furious response in a statement released by his office.
“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.”
Benjamin Netanyahu, 20 May 2025
He said “all European leaders” should follow the example of US President Donald Trump in supporting Israel.
“The war can end tomorrow if the remaining hostages are released, Hamas lays down its arms, its murderous leaders are exiled and Gaza is demilitarised,” Netanyahu declared.
“No nation can be expected to accept anything less and Israel certainly won’t. This is a war of civilisation over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved.”