Netanyahu blames Western leaders for supporting Hamas amid Gaza conflict

In response to escalating tensions in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has levied serious accusations against leaders from the UK, France, and Canada. During a video address posted on Thursday, he claimed that these leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, and Mark Carney, are effectively advocating for the retention of Hamas's power in the region. This statement came in the wake of an attack on Israeli embassy staff in Washington, DC, which Netanyahu linked to the growing international hostility toward Israel. He referred to the criticisms directed at Israel by these Western nations, specifically their condemnation of Israeli military operations in Gaza, as siding with 'mass murderers, rapists, baby killers, and kidnappers.' The military operation launched by Israel in Gaza followed a devastating cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 casualties and the taking of over 250 hostages. The conflict has reached new heights of violence, with reports indicating that more than 53,000 lives, including those of 16,500 children, have been lost in Gaza since the onset of the military campaign. Criticism has also come from former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who labeled the current Israeli government as a 'gang of thugs', stating that the ongoing actions in Gaza are bordering on war crimes. As the situation escalates, Downing Street has refrained from direct commentary on Netanyahu’s remarks, opting instead to highlight Sir Keir Starmer’s previous statements condemning antisemitism and violence. Israel’s humanitarian approach has been criticized widely; particularly by the UK prime minister, who described the situation in Gaza as 'intolerable' and denounced Israel's limited aid provision as 'utterly inadequate'. In light of this backdrop, the UK, France, and Canada collectively condemned the expanded Israeli military actions and the denial of humanitarian aid to civilians trapped in Gaza. They warned that concrete actions could follow if Israel’s offensive continued unabated. Such international responses underscore the growing concern over humanitarian conditions amid the ongoing conflict, creating a complex diplomatic quagmire where accusations and counter-accusations may further entrench divisions rather than foster resolution.