Netanyahu Accuses Starmer, Macron, Carney of Siding with Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delivered a scathing rebuke of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, accusing them of aligning with Hamas after their governments criticized Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.

Harsh Words Over Gaza Offensive Criticism

In a video released Friday, Netanyahu lashed out at the three Western leaders, accusing them of being on the “wrong side of justice, humanity, and history” after they collectively condemned Israel’s offensive as “disproportionate” and called the humanitarian situation in Gaza “intolerable.”

“When rapists, kidnappers, and baby killers thank you, you’re on the wrong side of humanity,” Netanyahu declared, referencing Hamas’ praise of the Western condemnation.

The remarks followed a tragic shooting at the Israeli embassy event in Washington, where two Israeli staff members were killed. The suspect reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” during the attack. All three leaders condemned the killings, but maintained pressure on Israel over its Gaza campaign.

Tensions With Allies Deepen

Netanyahu’s comments mark an escalation in diplomatic tensions with traditional allies, who had strongly supported Israel following the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people and saw over 250 hostages taken.

Now, with mounting civilian deaths in Gaza — over 53,700, according to the Hamas-run health ministry — and aid access severely limited, Western patience appears to be waning. The UK, France, and Canada issued a joint statement warning Israel to scale back or face consequences, while the UK suspended talks on a trade agreement.

UK, France, and Canada Push Back

UK Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard reaffirmed the country’s position, stating that while the UK supports Israel’s right to self-defense, it must be carried out within the boundaries of international humanitarian law. He also stressed the need for greater aid access to Gaza.

French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Christophe Lemoine reiterated the call for massive, unrestricted humanitarian aid, and Canada confirmed it is monitoring developments closely.

Gaza Aid and Famine Concerns

After 11 weeks of total blockade, Israel recently allowed over 90 aid trucks into Gaza, though the UN deemed this insufficient. Humanitarian organizations warn of widespread famine, with food, water, and medicine in critically short supply.

Internal Criticism Within Israel

Adding to the controversy, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert criticized Netanyahu’s government, calling it a “gang of thugs” and accusing it of pushing policies “close to war crimes.” He rejected the current leadership’s response to international scrutiny and reiterated calls for a more measured and lawful approach.

Conclusion:
Netanyahu’s explosive rhetoric underscores growing rifts between Israel and key allies amid deepening global concern over Gaza. With civilian casualties rising and political pressure mounting, the divide between defending national security and upholding humanitarian standards has become a flashpoint in international diplomacy.